Drake, whose Thank Me Later was the #1 rap album in the U.S. last week, was supposed to begin the European dates on his “Away From Home” Tour today (Fri. Jul 2), but he canceled and postponed various shows to be with his mother, who is ill and has to undergo surgery soon. Peep what the Young Money rapper had to say to his fans below:

“Despite my best hopes, it is apparent that my mother will need surgery earlier than anticipated,” Drake said. “In light of this news, I have made the difficult decision to cancel my European tour in order to support her during her recovery.”

He will continue his tour in Canada on July 16th in Ottawa, Ontario.