Demi Lovato is honoring their late friend with an emotional new song.
On Saturday (Oct. 9), the 29-year-old singer took to social media to share “Unforgettable (Tommy’s Song),” a heartfelt track dedicated to model Thomas Trussell III, who died in October 2019 after battling a drug addiction.
“Two years ago I lost someone who meant so much to me. His name was Tommy and he was such a beautiful, special man,” Lovato captioned a clip of the song. “I wrote this song the day after I found out that he had lost his battle with addiction. This disease is extremely cunning and powerful.”
Lovato, who has been open about her own struggles with substance abuse, added that proceeds from “Unforgettable (Tommy’s Song)” will benefit The Voices Project, a nonprofit recovery advocacy organization founded by Ryan Hampton.
The singer also encouraged anyone struggling with addiction to call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
Two years ago I lost someone who meant so much to me. His name was Tommy and he was such a beautiful, special man. I wrote this song the day after I found out that he had lost his battle with addiction. This disease is extremely cunning and powerful.. https://t.co/oOrcE2DdTK pic.twitter.com/Sa2m35JIh0
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) October 9, 2021
I’m beyond grateful and proud to announce all net proceeds of this song will be going to the Voices Project founded by @RyanForRecovery if you know anyone who is struggling please call 1-800-662-HELP
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) October 9, 2021
Following his death in 2019, Lovato paid tribute to Trussell on social media. “Devastated. Please hold your loved ones tight. Tell them they are special and that you love them,” they captioned a photo of the late model. “Make sure they know it. RIP to my boo.”
Earlier this year, Lovato released a two-part magnum opus about their own 2018 overdose: the YouTube Originals docuseries Dancing With the Devil and a companion album of the same name. The singer re-created the hospital scene following their overdose in a music video for the album’s title track. Lovato also opened up about the cathartic and “healing” process of filming the video while they broke down on set revisiting the darkest moment of their life.
Listen to Lovato’s “Unforgettable (Tommy’s Song)” below.