Country music rocked as list of stars to die in 2026 nears 40. Here’s who we lost

The country music world has suffered its share of heartbreak in 2026.Fans have seen legends such as Dolly Parton pass away this year, but the list of important contributors lost does not end there. Sadly two more figures — Rory Bourke and Jimmy Carter — joined the list of those who have passed.From names who were known across the globe, to those who were beloved and influential in their corner of the country, the following is a look at the country music stars who have died this year:Don Adams Adams, a singer, songwriter and longtime band member for Johnny Paycheck and George Jones, died on Feb. 1, according to Saving Country Music. He was 85.The site said that Adams had been battling cancer “off and on” for a couple of years. Parade Magazine wrote that while Adams was never a “marquee headliner, his voice, musicianship and presence placed him squarely inside the outlaw country ecosystem of the 1960s and 1970s.”Adams was born in Greenfield, Ohio, and he came from a family full of musicians. His father, Frank Adams, was a radio and recording star all the way back in the 1930s, and Don and his brothers, Gary and Arnie, made up The Adams Brothers. As a group, they backed up artists such as Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins and Tammy Wynette as well as Paycheck.However, it was their gig as The Jones Boys, backing up the legendary George Jones, that they were most well known for. They were so popular that Jones’ label even released an album entitled “The Jones Boys” which featured them without Jones. The brothers also gained a reputation for a hard-partying lifestyle, and that helped them gain access to a more modern crowd when Mike Judge of “Beavis and Butthead” fame used them in multiple episodes of his Cinemax series “Tales From The Tour Bus.”Rory BourkeCountry music fans may not have known Bourke’s name as well as the stars who performed his songs, but his work was heard through some of the genre’s biggest voices.Bourke, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, died Oct. 10. He was 84.His death prompted tributes from fellow members of the songwriting community.“We just lost another legend and I was honored to call him friend,” Greg Friia wrote on Facebook. “Rory you were amazing every time we played.”Friia recalled a Franklin performance in which Bourke sang “Most Beautiful Girl in The World” and had the audience singing along.Songwriter Jane Bach remembered Bourke for the impact he had on her own career.“RIP Rory Bourke,” Bach wrote on Facebook. “I met Rory in 1985, when I got signed to Chappell Music. He was an amazing mentor and I loved writing with him. I learned the craft of songwriting from him and will always treasure the kindness.”Bourke helped write Charlie Rich’s “The Most Beautiful Girl” alongside Billy Sherrill and Norro Wilson. The 1973 hit climbed to No. 1 on both the country and pop charts.His extensive catalog also reached some of music’s most recognizable performers. Elvis Presley, Olivia Newton-John, George Strait and K.T. Oslin were among the artists who recorded songs Bourke wrote.His credits included Strait’s “You Look So Good in Love” and Oslin’s “Come Next Monday.”Bourke’s songwriting success earned him three ASCAP “Writer of the Year” honors as well as three Grammy nominations for Best Country Song.Brian Burns Burns might not be a name that most country music fans know.But, as Saving Country Music reported, his name is one that many of the top country music musicians from Texas knew well. Sadly, Burns has died. He was 57.His wife, Veronica, first shared the news of his death on Facebook.“On July 4, 2026 I lost my husband, confidant, best friend and the sweetest boy ever,” she wrote. “Brian was Dad to Ryan, Jessica, and Amanda. He was Papa to Cooper, Eleanor, Carter, and Olivia. Brian was intelligent, a constant seeker of knowledge, creative, talented, funny, quick witted, complicated and I loved it all. I am devastated and right now I can not imagine being on this life journey without him. It would have been 30 years of marriage this November. As Brian has said many times when someone he admired, cared about, or loved left this earth — Godspeed. Brian, I hope you have found peace, my love.”“Brian Burns knew a lot about everything, especially Texas, and he put it into songs,” Vince Bell Music posted on Facebook. “A true Texas troubadour. There was a time when there was a music festival in Texas, Brian was there. He could captivate any crowd with his finely crafted original songs, he didn’t need a band.”Saving Country Music called Burns a “songwriter, musician, educator, and historian.”The site said that Burns was hired as the drummer for the band Freewheelin’ when he was just 16. And the outlet said that when that band disbanded, Burns “went on to front and participate in numerous other country bands.” The site said that he also played in the house bands for Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic and for Farm Aid performances. He released his debut album, “Highways, Heartaches, & Honky-Tonks” in 1997, and then released “Angels & Outlaws” in 1999. His final album, “Junkyar“Junkyard,” came, and Saving Country Music said he retired from music in 2017 to focus on graphic design and photography.Dylan Carter The country music world was left heartbroken after the news of singer Dylan Carter’s death on April 25. He was 24. Law enforcement officials in South Carolina told TMZ that Carter was killed after a car crash in Colleton County, South Carolina on Saturday night. The outlet reported that officials said that Carter was driving on U.S. Route 21 around 11 p.m. when his 2026 Tesla sedan veered off the road, hit a pole, and rolled. The Colleton County coroner told TMZ that Carter died of blunt-force injuries. He was wearing his seatbelt. “With heavy hearts we share the passing of Dylan Carter, co-founder of The Local Voice, talented musician and someone who meant so much to our community,” The Local Voice, which provides care to women fighting breast cancer, wrote on Facebook on Sunday. “Dylan was the heart of what we do. He believed every voice matters and lived that every day. Through his music, his kindness, and his smile, he brought people together and made everyone feel seen.”Carter was scheduled to perform Monday night in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, at the town’s “Music on Main” event. Thomas Hamilton Jr., the mayor of Monck’s Corner, shared a post about Carter’s death. “Our family is heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dylan Carter in a car accident,” he wrote. “As a gifted singer, he frequently entertained our community with his performances at Town events. His kindness and charm earned him immense respect, and his absence will be deeply felt. TO the loved ones and acquaintances of Dylan, we offer our sincerest condolences during this difficult period. The Town of Moncks Corner, its Council, and entire staff extend their deepest sympathies. He was much more to our family than an entertainer he was our friend and we are deeply saddened.”Many others took to social media to remember Carter. “It’s with a heavy heart to share that my very close friend and The Voice alum Dylan Carter Music has passed away this morning,” the musician Stee wrote on Facebook. “We both became close on Season 24 as we both were representing South Carolina. I’m sending love to his family and fans. He was a little brother to me and a beautiful person. Love you Dylan.”“I’m so sad hearing the news of Dylan Carter Music passing,” Ruby Leigh wrote on Facebook. “I met him on The Voice Season 24. He was one of the real ones! He came to my Grand Ole Opry debut and said, ‘I wanted to be here for you when you stepped on the stage that you have dreamed about for so long. Congratulations not many people can say that they’ve played the Opry.’ I want to send my Love, Hugs and Prayers to all his Family, Fans and Friends.”“This really stinks!” singer Jason Lee Cook wrote. “Hard to believe this young talent is gone so soon. Praying for his family.”Carter was a native of St. George, South Carolina, a small town in the Lowcountry, about an hour from Charleston. He rose to fame as a contestant on Season 24 of NBC’s “The Voice.” He was coached by country music legend Reba McEntire during his time on the show.Jimmy CarterNashville suffered another loss days later with the death of longtime country music reporter Jimmy Carter.Carter, who spent decades working in radio and television and covering Nashville’s entertainment scene, died at 73.WSM Radio announced his death Tuesday and remembered Carter as both a veteran broadcaster and an important member of the country music community.“Today, we lost a dear friend and a cherished member of the WSM family,” the station wrote on Facebook. “For many years, Jimmy Carter brought his passion for country music, unforgettable stories, and deep industry connections to Coffee, Country & Cody.”WSM described Carter as “a trusted source, a gifted broadcaster, and a friend to countless artists, listeners and colleagues.”“We’ll miss his warmth, his humor, and his friendship,” the station added. “Our hearts are with Jimmy’s family and loved ones. Jimmy Carter’s contributions to WSM, country music, and the Nashville media community will not be forgotten.”Carter also had a lengthy career with WSMV Channel 4. The station said he spent 21 years covering red carpets and Music Row events. He also worked for years with the nationally syndicated country radio and television show “Crook & Chase,” according to WSMV.His granddaughter, Kira Sparks, announced on Facebook that Carter died in his sleep and remembered him as a grandfather who made his family a priority.“He was someone who would drop everything on a dime to be there for his family,” Sparks wrote. “It never mattered what the situation was, if you needed him, he was there like Superman.”Sparks also offered a glimpse into Carter’s life away from the spotlight.“He woke up every morning for the radio at 4 am,” she wrote. “He didn’t like sleeping in. He would sneak out to get Hardee’s breakfast. And his hugs could heal something in you that you didn’t know needed healing.”She said Carter cared deeply about making his family happy and that his positive spirit also extended to the people who knew him through his work.“He shared that happiness with the world, and he was someone who I will always respect for all his sacrifices,” Sparks wrote. “We all miss him.”Ray CobbCobb was not mainstream. He never charted, never got much in the way of airplay, and you probably won’t find much Ray Cobb merchandise out there.But in his corner of the world — and for a time across parts of the country — Cobb was a beloved country music singer. And if you don’t believe it, just check out the way folks reacted on social media when they learned that Cobb, 75, had died.He passed away on Sept. 19 at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina, according to his obituary.“Sure hate to see this loss to our local music scene,” Scotty Dangerfield wrote on Facebook. “Ray Cobb was a true musical legend in these parts. He was always a fun one to see play and be around. It was a true experience to walk through his doors at midnight and listen to that band fire up. It was take me back to the early years when music was my life. “We will never have that experience again Ray brought to our area in true dive bar fashion,” he added. “Play on brother, gonna miss seeing you sitting on that front porch with that guitar in your rocking chair!!! You were a true musical rebel, rest easy my friend!!!”Cobb had his own band — the Ray Cobb Band — and it toured the United States. According to his obituary, Cobb called Nashville home for some time and even opened for “many well-known country music artists.”But he and his wife, Belinda, settled in South Carolina where he ran his own bar, Cobb’s Corner, for 25 years. And Cobb and his band were often the headliners at Cobb’s Corner. “He was a nice, genuine man,” Lee Bennett wrote on Facebook. “Kind-hearted. He was confident and unwavering in his beliefs, but he didn’t mind other points of view. We could talk about politics, religion, whatever.“Old-school country. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.”James D. Jarrell Jr. wrote on Facebook that he began playing lead guitar for Cobb in 1996 and said that at the time they were mostly performing in clubs in Florida. “We were with Ray until he decided to come off the road, and we played our last show 12/19/1999,” he wrote. “We all kept in touch with Ray, and we’re all going to miss him very much. “Rest in peace Chief,” Jarrell Jr. added. “You’re singing with the angels now.”Bill CodyDierks Bentley was among the country music stars who took to social media to remember legendary announcer Bill Cody following his death on June 9.Cody, a Country Music Radio Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry announcer, died after battling kidney failure and heart failure in a hospital for more than three weeks.“Country Music has lost one of its pillars,” Bentley wrote on Instagram. “Bill was just as important to the fabric of our music and city as any artist, songwriter or musician. No one loved Country Music, its history and its characters more than Bill Cody. Prayers to his family and Charlie and Kelly and everyone that knew and loved him at WSM and the Opry. “The Opry also wrote, “We are going to miss him so very much.”WSM Radio first shared the news of Cody’s death late Tuesday night. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend and beloved WSM voice, Bill Cody,” the statement on Instagram read. “A singular presence on WSM-AM Nashville for more than three decades, Bill welcomed listeners each morning on Coffee, Country & Cody with a broad smile, a conversational ease, and an unerring ability to make both artists and audiences feel at home. He joined WSM in 1994 and had Charlie Daniels as his first in-studio guest. He built more than a morning show; he created a gathering place rooted in his deep love for country music and the people behind it.“Bill’s voice also became synonymous with the Grand Ole Opry, where he frequently served as host, including Opry Country Classics,” the statement continued. “His work extended across television and syndicated radio, bringing country music to audiences far beyond Nashville. Inspired early on by time spent at a small Kentucky radio station with his father, Bill’s passion for broadcasting became a lifelong calling that ultimately led him to the city he once dreamed about as young boy. His contributions to broadcasting were recognized with his induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame, a star on the Music City Walk of Fame, and his forthcoming, posthumous induction into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.”Cody’s death came just more than a week after his daughter first revealed his health battle.“Friends. Prayer warrior. I believe in the power of prayer and my daddy needs prayers,” his daughter, Hannah, said in a statement. “A little over 3 weeks ago he was admitted to the ICU in heart failure and kidney failure. After weeks of being on a roller coaster of emotions, tests, dialysis, medications, steps forward and steps backwards, it was determined earlier this week that his only option for survival would be a double transplant, heart and kidney.“Many prayers have been prayed this week that he would pass all necessary tests to qualify for the transplant list,” the statement continued. “And those prayers were answered.”Hannah then explained what Cody was dealing with. “Last night, his strength and ability to pump blood took a downward spiral and we got a call from his doctor early this morning that they were having to intubate him to put him on ECMO (a machine that does the hearts job for him,” she wrote. “This is what we need prayers for. 1.) Pray that he will not experience any of the risks that come along with ECMO — stroke, blood clots, infection. 2.) Pray that the next 48 hours on ECMO gives his body time to rest and gain strength. This is the biggest hurdle for transplant qualification right now. He has to gain strength. 3.) Pray that the transplant team that meets on Tuesdays will find him a candidate for transplant and get him put on the list. We need a miracle and we know God is able. Please if you’re able, stop and pray for these things. Our family can’t thank you enough. We love you all.”WSM closed out its statement Tuesday night by remembering Cody for his “kindness, humility, and genuine gift of connection.”“Bill Cody was one of those rare people who didn’t just work in Country Music — he lived it, protected it, and loved it with every fiber of his being,” Tyler Herndon wrote on Instagram. “For decades, Bill was a trusted voice, a champion of artists, a keeper of our stories, and a bridge between generations of country music fans. Whether you were a superstar or a struggling songwriter with a dream, Bill made you feel like you mattered. I was fortunate to call him a friend. His kindness was genuine, his passion was contagious, and his belief in this music never wavered. He understood that country music is more than songs and charts — it’s people, community, and heart.“Today, Nashville feels a little quieter,” he continued. “The Opry, WSM, and all of us who loved him are feeling this loss deeply. Thank you, Bill, for every conversation, every introduction, every encouragement, and for being such a faithful steward of the music we all love. Your voice may be silent, but your legacy will echo through country music for generations to come.”David Allan Coe Coe, a controversial figure and country music legend, died on April 29. He was 86. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of David Allan Coe,” a post on the singer’s Facebook page late Wednesday night read. “David passed away today, Wednesday, April 29, at approximately 5:00 PM ET while in the hospital.“At this time, no official cause of death has been released,” the statement continued. “We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy as they grieve this tremendous loss.”Coe had an accomplished musical career, but his catalog included a pair of explicit albums — 1978’s “Nothing Scared,” and 1982’s “Underground Album.” They featured songs with lyrics that included racial and homophobic slurs.Coe denied being a racist despite using the N-word in songs and claimed that the songs were meant to be humorous and did not reflect his own views.Coe, a native of Akron, Ohio, was known as an “outlaw country” artist, and his career got off to an interesting start. Whiskeyriff.com reported that Coe spent most of his early years “in reform school or behind bars.” When he was released, the outlet reported, he moved to Nashville, where he slept in a hearse outside the legendary Ryman Auditorium. On the weekends, he would climb atop the car and perform for audiences heading in to see shows there.That helped him land a record deal after a worker from Plantation Records spotted him, and he released his first albums, 1970’s “Penitentiary Blues,” and 1973’s “Requiem for a Harlequin,” were released through them. His big break came in 1973 when Tanya Tucker took his song, “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)” and turned it into a No. 1 hit. Coe released a whopping 42 studio albums and 50 singles during his career. His top hit was “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” which made it to No. 8 on the charts. He recorded the original version of “Tennessee Whiskey,” and was known for songs such as “Longhaired Redneck,” and “The Ride.”“David Allan Coe was more than a singer, songwriter, and outlaw country legend, he was a voice for generations of fans who found truth, grit, pain, and life in his music,” the statement continued. “His songs, stories, and spirit will live on forever. Thank you for everyone who has loved, supported, and stood by David through the years. Tommy Detamore Detamore died in August. He was 70.‘It is with a broken heart, I share that my husband of 41 years, Tommy Detamore went home to be with the Lord yesterday, Wednesday, August 5, 2026,”Sandra Detamore wrote on Facebook. “Tommy was and will always be remembered as a respected musician, producer, collaborator, mentor, and creative force in Country Music. Not to mention the love of my life. His work has and will always leave a lasting mark in the country music community. His God-given gift for playing and producing music allowed him to lift others up and help share the sound of country music we hear today. Dr. Tom … Sir Punchalot … Drama Papa … The Man … were just a few names people called him. Just recently we were celebrating another project he produced and played on that went platinum.“My son Thomas Detamore and I take comfort in knowing he is at peace and is now with his family and that his music will live on and will be cherished forever,” she continued. “Please continue to pray for me and my family and our Drama Kids Staff as we figure out how to honor my beloved ‘Steelman.’ I want to make sure he is celebrated with family and friends and the community. This way we can all say our goodbyes, since this was so sudden. Lastly Thank you Lord Jesus for allowing me to love and be loved by Tommy. I know where he is and I thank you and one day I too will be with him again in our mansion in the sky. John 14:2.”Detamore was a renowned pedal guitarist, engineer and producer. Saving Country Music noted that Detamore’s contributions “were prolific and spanned multiple decades.” He actually got started while in high school in Charlottesville, Virginia. He then began playing pedal steel while in college in Virginia. Saving Country Music said his big leap came in 1981 when he moved to Texas to play steel guitar for Darrell McCall. The outlet said that a year later, Detamore became the main steel guitar player for Moe Bandy and toured with him for seven years. He also played with Ronnie Milsap, Clay Baker and Johnny Bush. Detamore later opened Cherry Ridge Studio in Floresville, Texas.“Our hearts are with Tommy’s family, friends and fans,” Jim Lauderdale wrote on Facebook. “It’s hard to find the right words now. He will be missed terribly.”Ronnie Dove Dove‘s name might not ring a bell for many modern music fans, but there was a time when he was a big-time deal. Dove was a talented singer who churned out a string of pop music hits through the 1960s before pivoting to country, where he landed on the charts in the 1970s and 1980s, too. Dove died on Sept. 15, just eight days after celebrating his 91st birthday. His wife, Marty, shared the news on his Facebook page.“The love of my life is now at rest,” she wrote. “He passed peacefully this morning with me by his side. There will be no funeral. He will be cremated and in a few months I would like to have a Celebration of Life. Darlene or I will keep you informed of the arrangements. For now please know that Ronnie is in a better place.”WMAR 2 in Baltimore reported that the singer’s career began in the city. Dove was in the U.S. Coast Guard in the 1950s, and WMAR said he was stationed near Baltimore, so he began performing at clubs in the city. Dove’s first big breakthrough song was “Say You,” which hit No. 40 on the Billboard charts. He followed that with “Right Or Wrong” in 1965, and that made it into the top 20. Dove then charted five singles in 1965, and the hits kept coming. He released 14 albums during his career; the last, “From the Soul,” came earlier this year. “The Maryland music scene and beyond is a little less brighter today,” singer Dean Crawford wrote on Facebook. “The legendary Ronnie Dove has passed on leaving legions of fans and friends to mourn his passing. Ronnie was more than just an outstanding entertainer and incredibly gifted vocalist, he was the peoples man!! He was the most accessible entertainer I have ever met. 15 years ago, he inducted me into the Maryland Music Hall of Fame and I will always remember his words of wisdom to me. He said, ‘Dean, always remember the fans are the ones that gives us wings to fly’ and these are words I continue to live by. Thank you Ronnie for setting such high standards for all of us to follow and emulate. Condolences to his wife Marty and family. Fly high with the angels.” Blake EmmonsEmmons, a country music icon and television personality, died on March 8, according to multiple reports. He was 81 years old.Emmons, whose real name was Bruce Mackenzie, was a native of Toronto, and he made his name in Canada beginning in the 1970s. “It’s difficult to find the right words this morning,” John Tescione wrote on Facebook. “I was deeply saddened to learn our friend Blake Emmons has passed. Blake was one of those rare people whose presence lifted others up. Many of us in the veteran community knew him as a mentor, a supporter, and a steady voice of encouragement. He had a way of reaching out at exactly the right moment, reminding you that you weren’t alone and that someone had your back.”Tescione said he met Emmons through the Wounded Warriors Weekend community.“I was struck by his generosity of spirit and his genuine care for the people around him,” he wrote. “The number of veterans and first responders he helped over the years is impossible to count, but the impact he made will live on in every one of us. “Men like Blake leave a mark that doesn’t fade,” he added. “His kindness, humor, and commitment to helping others are part of the legacy he leaves behind.”“Today we lost an incredible man, Blake Emmons,” Jessyca Marcoux wrote on Facebook. “He was an amazing storyteller, a great singer, and someone who could always make you laugh when you needed it most,” she added. “His kindness and the impact he had on so many lives will never be forgotten.“You made this world a better place, Blake.”There were many more tributes like that on social media. Emmons hosted the CTV series “Funny Farm,” which was billed as Canda’s answer to “Hee Haw” in 1974. He also hosted “The Country Place” in the 1970s, and he hosted the game show “Chain Reaction” in 1985.Emmons was known for his charitable contributions, too. He hosted the ACT Telethon for Camp HE-HO-HA for disabled children in the 1970s and late in the decade he helped develop the Telemiracle telethon.Pete FinneyFinney died on Feb. 7.The Country Music Hall of Fame announced Finney’s death on Facebook.“Steel guitarist Pete Finney, who died Saturday at age seventy, was a widely admired Nashville musician,” the statement read.“He exemplified how top instrumentalists can adapt to a remarkable range of styles and settings, whether in a recording studio, a concert stage, or the corner of a small nightclub. “On America’s biggest stages, Finney backed The Chicks, Vince Gill, the Judds, Reba McEntire, and Patty Loveless, among others,” the statement continued. “He toured with Loveless for more than twenty years. He was touring with McEntire when eight members of her band and two crew members lost their lives in a plane crash in 1991; Finney survived because he flew on a second plane, with another musician and crew members.”While Finney was remembered for his brilliance in country music, the Hall of Fame noted that his talent was not limited to the genre. Michael Nesmith, the late Monkees star, employed Finney’s talents when he embarked on what Parade Magazine called a “country-flavored solo project.” That led to Finney going along for the Monkees’ final tour in 2017.He also teamed with the Monkees’ Micky Dolenz in 2021 on a tribute album to Nesmith titled “Dolenz Sings Nesmith.”The Hall of Fame also noted that Finney worked with a diverse array of artists including Beck, Jon Byrd, Shemekia Copeland, Justin Townes Earle, Jon Langford, Jim Lauderdale, Allison Moorer, Ron Sexsmith and Candi Staton. Finney also frequently performed in pickup bands in Nashville clubs “where he might be seen with top-flight players such as Mac Gayden, Jen Gunderman, Jimmy Lester, Chris Scruggs and Kenny Vaughan.”“Finney also gained a reputation for his extensive knowledge of American music history, fueled by his own deep research,” the Hall of Fame’s statement added. “He co-curated the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2015-2018 exhibition ‘Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City.’ The idea for the exhibit came from Finney’s research on the many non-country artists from North America and England who came to Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s to record with the city’s talented and fast-working studio musicians.”Followers of the Hall of Fame were quick to share their appreciation for Finney.“Ah man so sorry to hear this news,” James Intveld replied. “What a great person and incredible player. I feel lucky we got to play many gigs together over the years. RIP Pete. It was a pleasure making music with you.”“He was one of a kind,” Dave Pomeroy replied. “Heaven is a cooler, smarter place today.”Pat Garrett Garrett, a country music singer and songwriter who claimed to have played an early role in Taylor Swift’s career, died on Oct. 2, according to multiple reports. He was 84. Garrett, whose real name was Pat Sickafus, also operated Sickafus Sheepskins in Strausstown, Pennsylvania. He even made a sheepskin coat for Kevin Costner. Garrett is best known nationally as a singer and songwriter.He founded the Pat Garrett Amphitheater in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and the venue hosted many legendary acts. “We are saddened to share the news that our venue founder and namesake, singer/songwriter, Pat Garrett, has passed away,” the Pat Garrett Amphitheater wrote on Facebook. “Pat opened The Pat Garrett Amphitheater in 1994 and hosted such country legends as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn & Willie Nelson. After a decade long closure from 2005-2015, he gave us (Flagship Music Productions, LLC) exclusivity to reopen and operate the Amphitheater for the last 12 summers. We thank Pat Garrett for allowing us to share such a beautiful and special venue with Berks County and beyond, and we look forward to continuing to honor his legacy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow musicians. Thanks for everything, Pat.”The Reading Eagle reported that Garrett grew up playing with his band at fire halls around Kutztown University. At one point, he packed up and moved to Nashville to pursue music before returning to Berks County. He told CBS News in an interview that it was there in Berks that he met Swift when she was just 11. She won a karaoke contest at the roadhouse he operated at the time, and Garrett said he eventually had her open for his band at fairs and festivals. He also said that Swift’s father, Scott Swift, asked him for advice about her career and he told him to “take her to Nashville.”As for his own music career, Garrett became known for songs that reflected some of his political views. He once played for vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, and he even wrote a song about her called “Moose Shootin’ Mama.” Garrett tackled NFL players kneeling during the national anthem with his song “I’ll Stand,” and poked fun at the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal with “The Monica Lewinsky Polka.”He told Fox News his songs were “country-versial.”Among his many ventures, Garrett also owned WWSM (1510 AM), which played country music in central Pennsylvania.“This week our region has lost a great entertainer, and I have lost a great friend and business associate of over 35 years,” Tim Michaels wrote on Facebook. “Pat Garrett will be remembered for his talent as an entertainer, his success as a businessman, and his willingness to help others.”Jon Dee Graham Graham, a beloved country singer-songwriter from Texas, died on March 27.He was 67.His family announced the news Friday in a post to his official Facebook account.“I truly have no words,” it read. “My father, Jon Dee Graham, passed away this morning. He was loved by so many people and touched so many people with his music, his kindness, and his endless sense of humor. His music is a gift to the world that will live on forever. This morning he died after we waited outside for EMS to revive him, the cardinals, that he loved so much, suddenly came in droves and were chirping. Some say that means the angels are here. And a tree that we were sure was dead spurred 3 sprouts. “Jon Dee said he had been talking to the tree since being released from the hospital a few days ago,” the post continued. “We are still in shock and beyond devastated. We can not breathe. More information to come about a tribute to his life.”The post asked for space and “no drop bys.”“Our shock and grief is heavy,” the post added. “Our shock and grief have left us in a place where we can’t take phone calls. Thank you for loving him.”Graham was a legend in Texas, and he was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame three times.He was inducted in 2000 as a solo artist, in 2008 with The Skunks and in 2009 with the True Believers.Graham loved music so much that he reportedly dropped out of law school at the University of Texas to join The Skunks in 1979. Violet HensleyHensley was perhaps country music’s oldest living legend before she died on Aug. 7.She was 109.KY3 in Branson, Missouri, said she was a “Silver Dollar City legend known as the ‘Whittlin’ Fiddler.’”Hensley’s mother passed away when she was young, and her father taught her to play the fiddle and to make them, too. Not only was she a talented player, but her ability to craft the instruments was renowned for more than five decades. And her talent took her places.According to KY3, she appeared on “The Beverly Hillbillies” and even became friends with Irene Ryan, who played “Granny” on the hit show. The station said that Hensley also made appearances on Art Linkletter’s show, “Captain Kangaroo,” “To Tell the Truth,” and “Live with Regis and Kathy Lee.”Her talent even took her to the Grand Ole Opry, earned her a spot in the National Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame and even a spot in the Smithsonian.“8.7.26 dearest family community friends loved ones, the astounding, magnificent personality musician Miss Violet Hensley has gently passed at her home around 2 pm today,” Linda Chris Smith wrote on Facebook. “She was surrounded by her loving wonderful children and grandchildren. “Violet and her family are great people of faith,” Smith added. “This precious soul made an incredible impact on thousands of people. A self-made star taught herself to be a great entertainer. Violet was blessed with lots of wit and charisma. Violet will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Adrian in Layton Cemetery.”The city of Leslie, Arkansas, also shared a post about her death and called her “a true Arkansas legend.”Silver Dollar City also released a statement following her death.“She wasn’t simply one of America’s most respected fiddle makers and musicians, she was the heart of an Ozarks tradition that connected generations to this special place,” it read. “To know Violet was to experience genuine kindness, quiet humility and unwavering love for others and her deep, deep love for her family. Not only was she an Arkansas treasure, through her wit and talent, she won heart on her national television appearances like the Grand Ole Opry.”Levi Herman Herman, a beloved outlaw country musician, died on Aug. 24.His fellow musicians, Dallas Moore and Zac Kellum, were among those sharing the news.“RIP brother Levi Herman,” Kellum wrote on Facebook Monday.“R.I.P. Levi Herman,” Moore wrote on Facebook. “Godspeed Old Friend. Live forever…”A cause of death has not been reported, but Herman had been battling cancer, according to several posts on his social media account.“So I had my ct scan today and things are looking pretty good,” Herman wrote in October. “The tumor load is officially gone for now and I just have the lesions on my liver to deal with now. Looks like my organs are getting back into place and my intestines are getting back into shape. My appetite is better than it has been in a long time and I am starting to feel like myself again.”He wrote at the time that he was preparing to begin immunotherapy.Herman posted on Facebook Aug. 11, thanking everyone for their support and expressing a desire to perform again.“I am not giving up,” he wrote. “Me and stumpy are trying to devise a way to set something up for a little tour. It might be right away, but I have serious ways to do this. “I seriously am going to try and make this little run work somehow,” he added. “I have been singing and plucking around which is feeling good.”Herman was a native of Alberta, Canada who developed a local following there. He also performed in the United States, opening up for Moore.“Heard through the grapevine that my friend and brother Levi Herman has passed away after a long battle with cancer,” musician Peter Mucott wrote on Facebook. “Levi was a cool cat and we did a bunch of shows here in Tennessee. We would talk on the phone a lot when he was on the road; he was out there playing anywhere, anytime for years. We exchanged some texts a couple weeks ago about getting together again. Gonna miss him. Rest easy my brother.”“We lost a genuinely good soul in our friend Levi Herman,” musician Brandi Colt wrote on Facebook. “Levi was the kind of person who stood firmly for what he believed and for the people he believed in. If he told you he was going to do something, you could trust that he meant it. That kind of genuine character is rare. We had a couple of fun runs Stumpy Joe and Farney a while back, and we had talked about trying to do another one. Like life sometimes does, time got away from us and it kept getting pushed to the back burner. I sure wish we’d gotten the chance. “Levi will be deeply missed and remembered by so many of us,” she added. “He left his mark on the people who knew him, and that matters. He also left us some music. A few years ago, Andrew had the privilege of recording some of his music, and we’d love for you to honor our friend by giving it a listen and streaming his songs. Rest easy, Levi. We’ll remember you.”Tommy Hunter Hunter, who rose to fame in Canada as a singer and television host, died on July 2.He was 89.The Canadian Press reported that his manager, Brian Edwards, said Hunter died of natural causes on July 2 in a retirement home. Edwards said Hunter died “peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family and his much-beloved dog.”“As the old saying goes, we’re all heartbroken at the same time,” he said. “When someone goes peacefully like that and everything, it’s kind of a blessing.”Hunter, known as “Canada’s country gentleman,” hosted “The Tommy Hunter Show,” from 1965 through 1992 in his country. “Those fans meant everything to him … he knew that they were the ones that kept him on (TV) and he always respected that,” Edwards said. While Hunter was a talented musician, The Canadian Press credited him with using his show to introduce Canada to some of country music’s greatest performers. When his show finally came to an end, it was the longest-running show in North America.The outlet said that Hunter had the likes of Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, and Clint Black on his show. “Tommy Hunter’s incredible legacy has left an undeniable mark on music and at CBC, where he shared his love for country music across our radio and TV programming for decades,” the CBC said in a statement. “His contributions to the growth of Canadian music and culture are truly remarkable.”Jerry Leach Leach, the bassist for the popular country and rock group Not Leaving Sober, died on March 10.He was 32. According to multiple reports, Leach was found pinned underneath a vehicle outside of a home in New Jersey on March 10. The band announced his death in a statement on its Instagram.“This devastating news comes as a shock to all of us,” the statement read. “Jerry was far more than a bass player to us — he became a brother who we got to know very closely.”Jefferson Township police responded to a call at 5:04 p.m. and found Leach pinned underneath the rear tire of a vehicle. Police pushed the vehicle off of Leach, but it was too late.He was pronounced dead at the scene. “Jerry started as a friend of the band who answered the call when he heard we were looking for a bassist and quickly learned 60-some-odd songs in the matter of a few weeks, and really started his time with us with two long road trips out of state to Maryland and then New Hampshire,” the statement read. “At the time, these gigs were a hard sell. We hadn’t really made much of a name for ourselves yet and joining a new band going away for multiple weekends probably wasn’t the most appealing. Multiple times during those weekends, Jerry just kept repeating “I just want to help you guys,” but that was just the kind of person he was.“Fast forward 4 years and probably 300 shows later, this band would never have reached the heights it has without Jerry and his contributions,” the statement continued. “He loved being a part of the writing process and his signature style is easily recognizable on the songs he wrote and recorded with us.”The band wrapped up the lengthy post by talking about what lies ahead.“The reality is, after a tragedy like this, the next few months are going to be extremely tough for all of us — the band and the collective that has grown around us, those who have always come out to support us and people who have just joined the family,” the statement read. “But we realize that we owe it to Jerry to keep going. Jerry was very clear that he just wanted to see the band succeed and for us, the only way to honor him is to keep that promise. We will never forget our friend. He will be a part of every show, every practice, every cheers, every celebration. Jim McBride McBride might not be a name that every country music fans knows, but there is a good chance they know his songs.McBride, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, died on Jan. 6.He was 78.McBride was best known for a pair of hits — “Chattahoochee” and “Chasing that Neon Rainbow” — that he wrote for country music icon Alan Jackson.“This one is very hard to take,” singer/songwriter Jerry Salley wrote on Facebook.“Jim McBride wasn’t just a close friend, he was a true, lifelong Brother to me,” he added. “My best friend. We talked or texted every few days right up until the end.”Salley wrote that he was “in shock” and “devastatingly sad.”“Jimmy Ray McBride — I know you were my biggest champion and had so much to do with my nomination for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” he added. “That’s the kind of friend you are. You were a great songwriter. You were a great man. And you were an even greater friend.”The Facebook calledcalled him “an amazing tunesmith and loved by the songwriter community.”“Jim was a beloved Alabamian, songwriter, friend, mentor and so much more,” the Alabama Music Hall of Fame wrote on Facebook.“His honors included a CMA Song of the Year Award, numerous accolades from ASCAP, BMI, NSAI, NARAS, CMA, AMA, ACM, Billboard Magazine, his induction into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” the statement added. “We will greatly miss Mr. McBride — may his legacy live on forever.”“A songwriters songwriter,” Reggie Starrett wrote on Facebook. “I considered Jim a friend and a huge inspiration. An unbelievable loss for country music. Jim was one of a kind.”McBride, a native of Huntsville, Alabama, also wrote songs for Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, Johnny Cash, Diamond Rio, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charley Pride, Pam Tillis, Randy Travis, Keith Whitley and Conway Twitty.Joe MelsonMelson was a singer, but his biggest impact likely came as a songwriter. Parade credited him with being “behind some of rock’s greatest operatic ballads” and helping to shape the sound of the great Roy Orbison. Melson was an immense talent, and sadly, he died on July 1. He was 91.The news was shared on Orbison’s Facebook page.“On July 1st, we said goodbye to the man who heard, in Roy, a voice the world didn’t know it needed yet,” the post read. “In 1959, a young songwriter named Joe Melson tapped on the window of Roy’s car in West Texas. Roy was sitting there, guitar in hand, working out a melody the way he often did. That knock on the glass changed everything. Joe heard something in Roy — a voice built for heartbreak, for the operatic, for songs that didn’t just tell as story but ached.“What followed was one of the great songwriting partnerships in America.”The post credited Melson with writing hits such as “Only the Lonely,” Crying,” “Running Scared,” “Blue Angel,” and “Blue Bayou,” with Orbison.“Songs that didn’t just chart, they invented a sound,” the post continued. “It was Joe’s voice you hear on that famous ‘dum, dum, dum, dumby doo-wah’ opening ‘Only the Lonely,’ setting the stage for Roy to soar. Joe used to call his songs ‘mood elevators.’ He and Roy built over 120 of them together.“Joe was rightfully inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018, a long-overdue recognition for a man some called the most unsung hero in songwriting,” the statement continued. “But to our family, he was something simpler and dearer: the friend who saw what was possible in Roy before the rest of the world did, and who never stopped being proud of what they built together. We send our love to Joe’s family, and our deepest gratitude for a partnership that gave the world ‘the Roy Orbison sound.’ Rest easy, Joe. Thank you for hearing it first. – The Orbison family.”Melson’s son-in-law wrote on Facebook that Melson died of natural causes.Melson was a BMI Award-winning songwriter. “Only the Lonely” and “Crying” are both in the Grammy Hall of Fame and both made Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.Augie Meyers Meyers died on March 7Meyers, known for his days as a founding member of the Sir Douglas Quintet and the Texas Tornadoes, He was 85.“Augie Meyers, a true Texas Legend passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 7th at 85 with his wife Sara at his side,” a post on his Facebook page read. “A Memorial Service for the public will be announced soon. The family thanks all of Augie’s friends and fans for their prayers during this time.”Prayers and love came flooding in.“Damn, this one hurts worse than a punch in the gut!” Will Owen Gage wrote on X. “Worse than an anvil to the foot, or a wrecking ball to the skull. Dearest Augie, finally free from the suffering in this mortal world, but taking a great deal of light and inspiration with him in the exit. I cannot tell you how honored, thankful and humbled I am to have called Hermano Augie Meyers a friend and bandmate! The last 5 years finally getting to back him up, travel with him, record his ‘final’ album, and just be around laughing and listening to his incredible stories was a tremendous experience, filled with unforgettable memories that will live in my heart till my own day of passing. He had a GIGANTIC impact on my life, and I see the impact he’s had on so many people! It’s truly hard to imagine how many people he befriended or that know of him. His legend is quite possibly the deepest of any well-known musician out there. From Hendrix to Little Richard, to the Beatles, hell even Elvis and Ozzy! It’s impressive and almost impossible to comprehend. All that while maintaining his true character, kind and humble, grateful and so willing to share his knowledge endlessly. I’ll never know another human being like him, and I’ll forever be indebted in him for his encouragement and belief in me … Vaya Con Dios, Sir August! Goodspeed my dear brother. Thank you, Thank you, Eternally Grateful! Love you with every piece of my broken heart. God bless Clay Meyers, Sara Meyers, Jack Barber, Ernie Durawa, Josh Baca and the countless others whose lives were enriched by his beautiful soul.”“The great Augie Meyers has moved on,” Michael Webb wrote. “He was an immeasurable influence on me. This is a great loss to American music! Thanks for everything Augie!There were plenty more tributes like that and you can see them here. Meyers, a native of San Antonio, Texas, released a whopping 23 solo albums across his career. The first of those came in 1971 with “The Western Head Music Co.” and the last came in 2013 with “Loves Lost and Found (El Sendero).”He founded the Sir Douglas Quintet along with Doug Sahm. Taste of Country noted that while Meyers played multiple instruments, he was best known for playing his Vox Continental organ and that sound became a signature of songs such as “She’s About a Move” and “Nuevo Laredo.” Per Taste of Country, the Sir Douglas Quintet was known for helping to pioneer “a style that bridged country, rock and Tejano/Tex-Mex” sound. Frankie Miller Miller, one of country music’s oldest performers, died on Aug. 29.He was 95.News Channel 5 in Nashville reported that Miller died from natural causes at his home. “Frankie had just completed work and released his biography, ‘The Blackland Farmer: Life Among Country Music Legends,’ written by Greg Wilson,” Heart of Texas Records President Tracy Pitcox told the news station. “He remained active in the industry and continued to enjoy making music into his 90s.”Pitcox said that Miller was just a few years removed from performing with his friend, Willie Nelson, at the Luck Reunion Festival. News Channel 5 reported that Miller was born in Victoria, Texas, in 1930 and began performing with his first band, The Drifting Texans, as a teen. The station said that Miller released his first singles in 1951, and his big break came in 1959 when he released “Blackhand Farmer.” That song hit No. 5 on the country charts that year and re-entered the charts in 1961. Miller toured with the likes of Nelson, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Ernest Tubb and Buck Owens during his career. He was also a talented songwriter who had songs recorded by the likes of Pat Boone and Dwight Yoakam.Miller also performed at the Grand Ole Opry. He kept making music into the later years of his life. That included the albums “Back When Gas Was 60 Cents A Gallon,” in 2012 and “A Friend Remembered: My Tribute to George Jones” in 2020.“I met Frankie first over the phone thanks to the great Tracy Pitcox who has spent a lifetime finding the living legends and getting them the attention and praise they deserve in their later years,” Grand Ole Country Bunker wrote on Facebook. “Frankie Miller is not a household name even to most classic country fans. But he was part of an important part of country music history.”Miller’s death comes in a year when country music has lost two more of its oldest legends – Al Shade and Violet Hensley. Dale Morris Morris, a country music legend best known for helping Alabama and Kenny Chesney rise to fame, died on Aug. 21.He was 89.Billboard.com reported that Morris died “peacefully in his sleep” on Friday night. “He lived a big, bold, beautiful, blessed life, and I’m holding onto that right now,” Clint Higham, president of Morris Higham Management, said in a statement. ‘It’s the end of an era.”Billboard reported that Morris’ start in music came as a songwriter when he wrote “Don’t Monkey With Another Monkey’s Monkey” for Johnny Paycheck in 1967.But his real breakthrough came after he started Dale Morris & Associates and was introduced to Alabama in 1979. With Morris as its manager, the iconic country music band produced 33 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.Then, in the 1990s, it was Chesney who skyrocketed to fame with Morris as his manager. The singer became one of the highest-grossing artists in country music history, and he currently holds the record for most No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with 33.“Dale Morris was as big an influence in my life as there ever was going back to 1979,” John Dotson wrote on Facebook. “I was an eyewitness as he changed the entertainment industry particularly Nashville like very few others ever have or will. There is a hole in my heart with his passing rivaled by only my mother’s passing.”Morris also managed Old Dominion, Ricky Van Shelton, Jerry Lee Lewis and Bobby “Crash” Craddock. “He was larger than life, and never met a dream he couldn’t build,” Higham said. “Dale Morris gave me my first internship, and I never wanted to go anywhere else. He saw things in people, in me, in Kenny, and inspired everyone to reach beyond what we thought possible. Maybe it’s how much he loved life, lived his family, loved us.”Wayne Moss Moss, a guitar player on some of country music’s biggest hits, died on April 20.He was 88.“Wayne Moss was a guitarist of dexterous skill and sophisticated taste,” Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young wrote on Facebook. “Listen carefully to Bob Dylan’s ‘I Want You’ or Roy Orbison’s ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ or Waylon Jenning’s ‘Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line.’ You’ll hear the innovative electric lead parts that drew attention to Nashville’s world-class musicianship. “As a studio owner, his doors were equally wide open to pop, rock, and country music,” Young added. “Wayne was a musical torchbearer and a creative pathfinder who left his own resounding stamp on music history.”Moss was a session musician who was a member of “Nashville’s A-team.” Parade Magazine noted that he was also known for his work with Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride and Joan Baez.In fact, it was Parton’s hit, “Jolene,” that Moss played on. The first No. 1 hit he appeared on was Tommy Roe’s “Sheila” in 1962. Moss also founded two bands — Area Code 615 and Barefoot Jerry — and the studio Cinderella Sound. People reported that such acts as the Steve Miller Band, Linda Ronstadt and Grand Funk Railroad recorded there. Moss was a native of Charleston, West Virginia. “My dear friend, the great guitarist Wayne Moss, has died,” Roy Orbison Jr. wrote on Facebook. “A member of ‘Nashville’s A-team’ of musicians. Wayne was my Dad’s good friend and played on all the Roy Orbison Monument hits. ‘Only The Lonely’ ‘Crying’ ‘Pretty Woman.’ He played on thousands of country music hits. That’s his guitar on ‘Jolene’ by Dolly Parton. Etc. etc. Wayne Moss played on Asa Orbison’s first album ‘Blue Bayou’ and let us use his ‘Cinderella Sound.’ Thank you. We love you Wayne.”Jimmy NicholsNews of Nichols’ death was first shared on social media on July 11 by David Pack. “Dear Friends, I’m sad to announce the passing of Nashville based legendary keyboardist, music director (Reba & Faith Hill), producer Jimmy Nichols,”Pack wrote on Facebook. “He was my live keyboardist for over 15 years and dearest friend. I recently sang at a benefit (Every Breath She Takes) for Jimmy’s beloved wife Tonya who needs a lung transplant.”Pack shared a photo of himself with the couple. “This concert had an unexpected second purpose: it also became Jimmy’s farewell,” he added. “Last night he played at a church service in Franklin, Tn then went home and passed in his sleep. His final performance beautifully reflecting his faith. Rest in heavenly peace my brother, you have earned it. “I’ll miss you. Deepest condolences to Tonya, the Ginnetti family & friends. And yes brother, ‘God Only Knows.’”Fans were quick to reply with love.“The pain and grief all his family and friends are now sharing is a tribute to the man he was,” Rene Milton wrote. “May you all find peace in knowing where he now is and that you will once again see him.”“Dear Mr. Pack, I am so sorry for your loss,” Lori Skinner wrote. “I can only imagine the pain you feel for your longtime friends and amazing keyboardist. Life is so short. I have lost 2 long time friends this year and I am still numb. I know they are in heaven but leaves such a huge hole in your heart. Praying for all of you during your grieving process.”MusicRow.comcalled Nichols a “gifted pianist” and said he was best known for his work with Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood and Elton John.Suggest.com reported that Nichols was inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame just two weeks prior to his death.Alan Osmond Osmond, the oldest member of the beloved Osmond family, died on April 20.He was 76.A cause of death has not been reported, but Osmond was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987. ABC 4 reported that a spokesperson for the Osmonds said that Alan died at 8:30 p.m. Monday with his wife and children by his bedside. Alan was the leader of “The Osmonds” along with his brothers, Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny and Jimmy. Along with his musical career, Alan Osmond also worked as a producer on “Donny and Marie” and “The Osmond Family Show.”ABC 4 reported that Alan stepped away from performing in the 1970s to join the National Guard. He served six years before he returned to the music business. The outlet reported that Alan retired from music following his multiple sclerosis diagnosis, but he continued to work.And that worked included helping to create the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon.“Upon meeting the entertainer, an ever-ready smile was ever prevalent,” the family spokesperson told ABC. “One might feel as though they had known him all their life. Others’ importance seemed to outshine his own, and he especially treasured the countless fans who supported the group.”The spokesperson also told ABC that Alan recently expressed a desire to be with his brother Wayne, who died in 2025.“We still have a lot of work to do together,” Alan reportedly said. “There is much catching up to keep us busy for a very long time.”Billy Parker Parker might not be a name that many modern country music fans know, but as Channel 6 News in Oklahoma noted, he was an influential voice in the genre for decades.Parker died on Jan. 19 in a Tulsa hospital, according to the outlet.He was 88.Parker was a musician and a DJ, and his former station announced his death on social media.“Our KVOO family took a big hit today,” a post on Big Country 99.5’s Facebook page read. “We are saddened to announce the passing of a legend, Billy Parker. Billy was with KVOO from 1971 up until his retirement in 2015. He won multiple ACM and CMA Awards, was inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame and received the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Lifetime Achievement Award.“Billy will forever be a part of the Voice of Oklahoma.”Parker was named Disc Jockey of the Year by the Country Music Association in 1974, and won the award from the Academy of Country Music in 1975, 1977, 1978 and 1984.He was inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 1992 and won the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.Dolly Parton Parton died on Aug. 25 at the age of 80.She passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Parton’s death was announced in a video shared on her social media accounts. “I am representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt Dolly, Rebecca Parton Dean,” Bryan Seaver said the in video posted on Parton’s page. “Sister. Sis, and Granny to one generation, and GiGi to the next.“This video announcement is something Dolly asked me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Seaver continued. “As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor. An honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us not with Dolly.” Seaver said that Parton has “lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.”“Surely met by Carl and countless others who have watched her, and longed for her to meet them in the heavens,” he said.Seaver also said that Parton told him she wants to be laid to rest in “a bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves a rest.”Parton’s death comes just more than a year after her husband, Carl Dean, died. She often spoke about how heartbroken she was following his death.Jeanie Poling Poling, beloved for her work as a country and bluegrass musician, died on Aug. 26.The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Poling died after battling two rare forms of cancer for the past three years. Poling performed alongside her husband, Chuck Poling, and the Chronicle credited her with being “at the heart of San Francisco’s bluegrass scene.” The outlet noted that the two hosted the Bluegrass Country Jam at the Plough and Stars for more than 20 years before it was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, according to the Chronicle, Jeanie and Chuck performed together for 42 years. Fans and friends took to social media to remember her. “Every so often, people leave this planet and really leave a mark on our hearts,” Cheryl Altman wrote on Facebook. “We lost one of those people this week, Jeanie Poling (of Chuck (hearts) Jeanie). I’ve known Chuck & Jeanie for years and in the past few weeks Jeanie and I have gotten closer. When she’d feel down after her (many) chemos … we did ‘rockstar clothing hunts’ in the Haight, to lift her spirits. She’d model her finds — and of course I’d take pictures of her ‘feeling like a rockstar,’ (As she would say). “To Isabel, Ruben and Chuck — please know that Team Jeanie is right there with you,” she added. “To ‘Rockstar Jeanie,’ I am so grateful to have been your friend, and you will be forever in my heart.”Chuck Poling also took to social media to reveal more about his wife’s death.“MY JEANIE,” he wrote on Facebook. “She passed away on August 26 form pneumonia after a three-and-a-half year battle with cancer. She fought the good fight but knew when to throw in the towel. Thanks to all of you who have opened your hearts to me and my son and daughter over the loss of Jeanie. I can tell you that I am being well taken care of. Even in their own grief for their mother, Isabel and Reuben (and his beautifully compassionate wife Kat) are doing so much to prop me up. I’ve never been prouder of them. And for the many of you who have offered help, don’t worry, you’ll be hearing from me at some point. Right now it’s time to hunker down with the family.“I could say so much about Jeanie but can easily sum it up by saying she made all my dreams come true,” he continued. “I shared 44 years of true love — that elusive magic that so many people search their whole lives and never find — with a beautiful, bright, funny, and oh, so talented woman. A wonderful mother, an amazing singer, and accomplished professional, and my partner, my lover, and my biggest fan.”Ken Rainey Sr. Rainey Sr.’s name might not be one that most modern country music fans know, but the man made his mark.Don’t believe it? Well, Rainey Sr. died on July 6. He was 86. And the response and outpouring of love for the man have been tremendous.Twin States News called him a “Meridian radio legend and country music icon.”His hometown’s mayor, Percy Bland, even issued a statement.“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rainey family and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Bland said. “Ken’s contributions will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to be heard in the music, the memories, and the lives he touched. May he rest in peace.”But Rainey Sr.’s most glowing praise came from country music star Randy Houser.“Today is a day I have known was coming, but always just blocked out in my mind,” Houser wrote on Facebook. “The world lost the greatest man I ever knew. I don’t say that just to say it. Truly the greatest person I ever knew.”In his lengthy post, Houser said that he was just a child when he met Rainey Sr. in Mississippi.“I heard him on the radio every morning while I got ready for school on 970KK, Meridian, MS,” he wrote. “He had a special way about him on the radio. He never tried to put on ‘Disc Jockey’ voice. He was 1000% real and the grasp he had on Central MS was undeniable. Ken was a man of his word … and God’s word.”Houser wrote that Rainey Sr. “believed in me like no other.”“My biggest cheerleader,” he wrote. “Took me from the bars in the southeast to Nashville in 2002 to help me live me dream. He and his wife Cheryl, took care of me and made sure I never did without anything so I could follow the path I needed to go down to be something. We made many, many trips across interstate 20 and up 65 while listening to classic country and I got to hear story after story of his dealing with all the stars I grew up loving. He knew em all and they all knew him and loved him the same.”Houser told a story about Rainey Sr. getting Merle Haggard to play in Meridian. “I have made attempts to get him into the Radio Disc Jockey Hall of Fame as he should have been many years ago,” Houser wrote. “His dedication to Country Music was unwavering for entire life. He stayed up to date with everything country til a couple days ago. He had a live show even in the last few weeks inviting local up and comers to play and share their music and stories.“Ken Rainey Sr. got to meet Jesus early this morning,” Houser added. “I’m sure he’s on air up there letting everyone know he has arrived. I’ll miss you buddy. I’ll see you again soon.”Don Schlitz Schlitz, known for writing some of country music’s most iconic hits, died on April 16. He was 73.Schlitz died on Thursday at a hospital in the Nashville area, according to multiple reports, after a sudden illness. His story was like that of so many aspiring artists who come from humble beginnings and make it big. According to Taste of Country, Schlitz rode into Nashville at the age of 20 with $80 in his pocket. He went on to forge a career in which he wrote such hits as Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. He went on to write hits for the likes of Randy Travis, the Judds, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Tanya Tucker, Keith Whitley, Allison Krauss, and Mary Chapin Carpenter.Some of the bigger hits, along with “The Gambler,” included “Forever and Ever, Amen,” and “When You Say Nothing at All.”He also had the distinction of being commissioned by President George Bush to write a theme song for his “Points of Light” program. That song, “Point of Light,” was performed by Randy Travis in 1991. Schlitz, who was a native of Durham, North Carolina, earned two Grammy Awards and was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year four times. During his career, he was inducted into four halls of fame: the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. — the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame — during his career. In 2022, Schlitz was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.Al ShadeAl Shade was not just a country music legend.He might have been the oldest performing country music artist. He died on Jan. 22, at the age of 98.Shade was a star in central Pennsylvania, where he was featured in the early 1950s on Lebanon-based radio station WLBR. Dave SirmonCountry music icon Mark Chesnutt took to social media to share the heartbreaking news that his bandmate, Dave Sirmon, died on July 4.“I lost my buddy Dave Sirmon Saturday night while on the road,” Chesnutt wrote on Facebook. “Dave played bass guitar in my band. He was a great musician and friend. He was such a hard worker and very hands-on with everything on the road. He was somebody I could really depend on not only for playing music but for every aspect of the road. Advice, music, songs, the bus. Everything.“He was quiet but so funny with a great sense of humor,” Chesnutt continued. “He was the perfect country gentleman and an amazing man. One of the most positive people I’ve ever known. I never heard him complain one time. When you saw Dave, you saw light and would immediately smile. That was Dave. He will always ride with us in spirit and heart. “We will miss you, brother.”Taste of Country said that Sirmon died on Chesnutt’s tour bus. The outlet reported that he had been in Chesnutt’s band for two years and the two had become close. Sirmon’s wife, Louise, also shared a post on his Facebook page.“I am so very sorry to anyone finding out about Dave’s passing via this post or any other social media,” she wrote. “He did pass away in his sleep last night on the tour bus. I will share memorial plans when they are in place, but they will likely not be for a few weeks. Thank you to those who have reached out.”Rick SolloSollo, best known as one-half of the popular country music duo Rick and Renner, died on Sept. 21 after a helicopter he was in crashed in Brazil. He was 69.The crash occurred in the southern state of Santa Catarina. Four others on board — businessman Bruno Avelar, video maker Paulo Soares, pilot Antonio Roberto Nobrega de Araujo and co-pilot Leopoldo Barros Teixeiera — were also killed in the crash, according to Globo.CNN reported that Avelar was also a business associate of soccer star Neymar Jr. The helicopter was traveling from Porto Belo to São Joaquim when it went missing. Authorities searched for the aircraft for a day. It was discovered in an area of the country that was difficult to access, fire department officials told CNN. He was one of the rare Black performers in Brazilian country and sertanejo music. He partnered with Ivair dos Reis Goncalvis to form Rick & Renner in 1986. They released their self-titled debut album in 1992. Together they released 18 more albums, the last of which was 2018’s “Segui rem Frente.”Rick & Renner sold an estimated 10 million albums over the course of their 25 years together. “Very sad to hear of the passing of Rick Sollo,” Bento Kangamba wrote on Facebook. “It is hard to believe that a voice that was part of our youth, our parties, our moments of joy and even some nostalgia has now been silenced. Rick & Renner were part of our musical memory. We sang their song, listened to them at home, in cars, at parties and at so many other moments of our lives. “She’s Too Much,” “In the Bars of the City,” and, above all, “Filha” are songs that many people in Angola know and cherish with affection. “When an artist like this dies, we don’t just lose on person,” he added. “We’re missing some of the memories his music helped build. Today, I want to pay my tribute to Rick Sollo and join my voice to all those who feel this loss. To the family, friends, Renner and everyone else who hung out with Rick, my deepest condolences. May God comfort the hearts at this time of sorrow. And may Rick rest in peace. “Your voice stays. Your songs stay on. And as long as they are sung, in some way, he will remain among us.”Vernon Taylor Taylor, a country and rockabilly artist who rose to fame in the 1950s, died on July 12.He was 88.Taylor, who was born Walton Alderton, reportedly had a long battle with dementia.Taylor formed his first band, The Nighthawks, when he was just 15. Despite the young age of its members, the band had some big breaks. It was tapped to play between sets for Curley Smith, of the band Boston, and even managed to play on an hour-long show out of Washington, D.C. from 1957 through 1960.Taylor signed with Sun Records after being spotted on “American Band Stand”, and he was credited as a pioneer of rockabilly music.Taylor released four albums. The first of those was “I’ve Got The Blues”/”Losing Game” in 1957. The last was 1959’s “Mystery Train”/”Sweet and Easy Love.”Taylor stepped away from the stage after 1959, when his final two records failed to hit the charts. He returned to performing in 1989, according to Suggest.com, for a concert benefitting Charlie Feathers. The outlet reported that marked a return for Taylor to the music scene as he began performing and releasing music again.Suggest.com reported that he died one day after his brother, Luther, and that the family said the two had been battling “lengthy illnesses.”“Rest in peace Vernon Taylor,” Kevin Booth wrote on Facebook. “He passed away a few days ago. One of the last Sun artists. I had the honor of doing a show with him and Ronnie Dove many years ago. He was a very nice man and a great performer. My prayers for his family and loved ones.”The Fabulous Hubcaps remembered Taylor and their “long and lasting friendship” with him.“Vernon … we’re sure they welcomed you into Rock and Roll Heaven with open arms and big wide hugs,” the band wrote. “Rock on friend … rock on.”Bruce TullTull actually died in June but news of his passing did not become widespread until this past week. Rolling Stone reported that Tull, 71, died on June 22 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The outlet said that he succumbed following a brief illness.“I just heard the terribly sad news that mister Bruce Tull has passed,” Tighten Up Tighter wrote on Facebook. “I remember him first from when I was a very young, very untalented and very drunk musician that would show up at americana open mic nights at the Baystate with my old friend potatoes and Bruce would occasionally sit in on slide guitar and try to make something listenable out of our musical meanderings. “He was always wonderful and friendly and although he moved away years ago, we’ve kept in touch online over the years at least tangently,” he continued. “And I have to admit, I am very sad to hear that he has passed on. I will have to grab out my Scud Mountain Boys record as I finish cooking dinner.” “I loved him and called him a friend but I didn’t have the history with him many here had,” Phillip Price wrote on Facebook. “Nevertheless he was the kindest and most brilliant of us in this corner of the music world. Missed him for so long after he moved away. He put us up on tour in OK. Kept hoping I’d see him here somewhere and he’d tell me he’d moved back. Now he lives everywhere. He has my heart.”“We lost a genuine guitar genius, humble hero, and incredibly kind, considerate and fine-tuned soul in the person of Bruce Tull today,” Connolly Ryan wrote on Facebook. It’s pretty beautiful (and devastating too) to see all the posts lovingly commemorating his brilliant shining light and life. Of all the versions of Wichita Lineman (one of my favorite songs ever) that I’ve ever heard, I consider this one by the Scud Mountain Boys to be the finest and most haunting of them all, due in large part to Bruce’s revelatory guitar work, and the solo in particular is simply one of the most exquisite string of cadences that has ever graced my ears. Man oh man will you be missed Dr. Tull.”There were plenty more posts like that across social media.Tull’s band members were the first to address his death.“I can’t believe I’m writing this sad news,” Scud Mountain Boys frontman Joe Pernice posted on Instagram. “Our brother in Scud Mountain Boys and friend of nearly 40 years Bruce K. Tull left this world this morning. No combination of words will ever accurately describe the beauty of Tull. Someday I’ll try. But today Stephen, Tom and I are just hollowed by his passing. “In our grief we send our love to Nancy, the entire Tull family and to all who loved Bruce and the music he made.”Tull helped found the group in 1991 along with Pernice, Stephen Desaulniers and Tom Shea. The group was active through 1997 before disbanding. The group reunited in 2012 and remains active.Desaulniers also posted about Tull’s death on social media.“His approach to life, and to music, was unique in my experience,” he wrote on Facebook. “A gentle, kind man of many talents, he left a timeline of memories to cherish, for which I will be forever grateful. There will be much more to say after we’ve all had time to process this, and we’ll all get together at some point to throw a really big party to see him off properly, of course. “One thing before I go,” he added. “Bob Pernice, after meeting Bruce for the first time, said something I’ve always kept with me — ‘You could go your whole life and not ever meet another guy like that.’ So very true. Farewell, old friend. You most certainly left your mark.”The Scud Mountain Boys released four albums — two in 1995, “Dance the Night Away,” and “Pine Box,” 1996’s “Massachusetts” and a 1997 compilation “The Early Year” — during its initial run. It released “Do You Love the Sun” in 2013 after reuniting. Rolling Stone noted that the group was first known as the Scuds and that it used electric amps at its shows when it first got going. However, the outlet reported that the group “got tired of hauling their gear around,” and switched to playing mostly acoustic shows. Along with his work with the group, Rolling Stone said that Tull was “a fixture in the Western Massachusetts music scene for years.”