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NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch Dead at 41
Kyle Busch honored his children shortly before his passing.
Days before the legendary NASCAR driver died May 21 at the age 41, he celebrated his and wife Samantha Busch's son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4, with sweet social media tributes on their birthdays.
"Happy Birthday Brexton!!!" Kyle wrote in a May 18 Instagram post. "Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be!"
The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion called his son "the best kid on & off the track," adding, "You amaze us every day."
"Keep doing what you’re doing," Kyle concluded, "and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!"
His heartfelt post featured a carousel of family photos from over the years, including a snap of Kyle wrapping his son in an embrace after a race and a sweet father-son throwback shot from when Brexton was a baby.
Kyle had also honored his daughter Lennix, along with his wife Samantha and his mom, with a special social media shoutout as Mother's Day landed on his daughter's 4th birthday.
"My girls deserve the spotlight today," Kyle captioned a May 10 social media post featuring family photos. "Happy Mother’s Day to Samantha and my Mom! Thank You both for the love, patience, strength, and everything you pour into our family every single day."
"And Happy Birthday to our crazy Lennix," he continued. "You keep us laughing, keep us on our toes, and somehow make every day brighter at the same time."
Kyle concluded his sweet tribute, "I'm lucky to do life with you girls. Love you all more than you know!!"
Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Days after celebrating his son's birthday on May 18, NASCAR announced the news of Kyle's death hours after his family revealed he had been hospitalized for what they called a "severe illness."
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch," the racing organization shared in a May 21 statement to X. "A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans."
NASCAR went on to remember Kyle's "sharp wit and competitive spirit" and honored his legacy.
“NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon," the organization concluded. "During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate."
Read on for a look back at Kyle's heartwarming moments with his family over the years.
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A Partner at His Side
Kyle Busch had his loved ones by his side for all of life's most important moments before his death on May 21 at the age of 41. The NASCAR driver and wife Samantha Busch were parents to son Brexton, born in 2015, and daugther Lennix, born in 2022.
Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Victory for The Family
Kyle was joined by Samantha, Brexton and Lennix on Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway in February 2026.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Girl Dad
Kyle shared a tender moment with his youngest at the NASCAR Cup Series Food City Dirt Race in 2023.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Football Fam
Kyle, Samantha and Brexton hit the stadium to catch a game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos.
Family of Four
The quartet had recently enjoyed a snowy family vacation.
Jason Lowrie/Utopia Select/Shutterstock
Sweet Moments
Kyle and Samantha always made sure Brexton was with them for all of their important celebrations.
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Team Effort
From the race track in Texas to his home in Las Vegas, Kyle loved making memories with his Samantha and their son Brexton.
Look of Love
"My forever valentine," Samantha wrote on Instagram when celebrating the romantic holiday. "Thank you for always making me laugh and live life to the fullest. I love you!"
Future Racer
"Congrats Brexton on a great season at @millbridgespeedway," Samantha wrote on Instagram in honor of her son's racing milestone. "We are so proud of you!!! You have grown and improved so much this season to winning your first Saturday Night Series Championship! We can't wait to see what you do this year!"
Fierce Fashion
Samantha and Kyle opted for cute matching leather jackets.
Fall Festivities
Racing around a track is cool, but so was finding the perfect pumpkin. "The most perfect pumpkins in the patch @samanthabusch @brextonbusch," Kyle wrote at Instagram. "Fun times at the @bundleofjoyfund play date."
Winner, Winner
The couple enjoyed a getaway to Las Vegas, with Kyle posting on Instagram, "I hit the jackpot w u @samanthabusch."
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Baby Brexton
A newborn Brexton joined his mom and dad on stage at the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards.
Fun in the Sun
Life wasn't all work and no play for Kyle. In fact, he loved vacations with his family.
Magical Memories
Kyle and his family celebrate one of his many NASCAR wins with a trip Disney World.
Cheers to Love
"Hey pretty baby w the high heels on," Kyle wrote on Instagram when enjoying a romantic evening at La Belle Helene Restaurant in Charlotte, N.C.
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Family Affair
When Kyle won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pit Boss 250 in May 2021, his wife Samantha and son Brexton took a trip down victory lane in Austin, Texas to celebrate the driver.
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