Song-parodist Weird Al Yankovic, who was on tour last week when he found out that both of his elderly parents died, doesn't plan to alter his busy tour schedule due to the tragedy.

"I briefly considered canceling some shows, but I ultimately decided that it would be better for me personally to continue working," Yankovic said in a statement posted on his official website. "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. However, I have decided to put a moratorium on all interviews and meet-and-greets for the time being--I just feel like I need some time alone right now."

Yankovic's parents--Nick Yankovic, 86, and his 81-year-old wife, Mary--were found dead in their home on Friday (4/9) by relatives checking on the couple.

Weird Al, in his statement, said that the couple was asphyxiated by carbon monoxide poisoning after they started a fire in their fireplace that morning with the flue closed.

"Needless to say, I feel pretty much the way you would expect me to feel--shocked and devastated beyond words," he said. "I loved my parents so much, and this all still seems like a horrible nightmare that I can't wake up from."

Yankovic's spring tour runs through early May; he's then scheduled to launch a summer outing in late July.