In a heartbreaking press release, Yankovic said he hopes to draw some comfort from performing, but added that he will not conduct interviews or meet-and-greets while he’s on the road. The press release states:

“On April 9, my mom and dad, Nick and Mary Yankovic, passed away in their home in Fallbrook, California. It was the result of a terrible accident — that morning they had started a fire in the fireplace with the flue closed, and were asphyxiated by carbon monoxide poisoning.”

“Many people have wondered what’s going to happen with the tour. I briefly considered canceling some shows, but I ultimately decided that it would be better for me personally to continue working. Plus, I’ve heard from so many people over the years that my music has cheered them up in times of tragedy … well, I thought maybe my music would help me too. So far, it has.

“Going up on stage in front of thousands of supportive fans is a cathartic and somewhat therapeutic experience for me right now. I don’t know if I can say that the concerts really take my mind off of the tragedy, but at least they give me a break from sobbing all the time. Anyway, I have decided not to cancel any shows — the tour will continue as planned.”

The full text of the press release is available at www.weirdal.com.

The accordion wielding satirist has concert dates schedule well into the summer.