Mel Tillis, the affable longtime country star who wrote hits for Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs and many others, and overcame a stutter to sing on dozens of his own singles, has died.
A spokesman for Tillis, Don Murry Grubbs, said Tillis died early Sunday at Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida. He was 85.
Grubbs said Tillis battled intestinal issues since 2016 and never fully recovered. The suspected cause of death is respiratory failure.
Tillis, the father of country singer Pam Tillis, recorded more than 60 albums and had more than 30 top 10 country singles, including “Good Woman Blues,” ”Coca Cola Cowboy” and “Southern Rain.” Among the hits he wrote for others were “Detroit City” for Bobby Bare; “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” by Rogers and the First Edition; and “Thoughts of a Fool” for George Strait.
Country music stars Charlie Daniels, Crystal Gayle and Blake Shelton offered their condolences on Twitter.
What a truly devastating loss. I loved Mel. I will miss him terribly. My thoughts and prayers to all his family.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) November 19, 2017
Some of my most cherished memories are the times I spent with Mel Tillis. Many many great memories. From fishing, to just having a beer, to him crashing my concert!
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) November 19, 2017
He once spent an entire day at his place in Tennessee showing me all the memorabilia he'd gathered over the years where he gave me a pair of his stage boots. He even took time to talk me through some hard times in my life on a couple phone calls.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) November 19, 2017
Mel Tillis and I became laughin buddies many years ago! He was truly one of a kind, and it was a real privilege to call him my friend. This is my favorite pic of him hosting "Dirty Joke Night" at my house a few years back… #RIPMELTILLIS #MelTillis @PamTillis @KixBrooks pic.twitter.com/wLsKoj5CGI
— John Rich (@johnrich) November 19, 2017
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, Mel Tillis. Sending my love and prayers to his family and friends. There will never be another Mel Tillis!❤️ #MelTillis #HeavenEveryday @PamTillis
— Crystal Gayle (@TheCrystalGayle) November 19, 2017
Mel Tillis, you will be missed by so many of us you touched over the years.
Rest in peace my friend.— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) November 19, 2017
Copyright © 2024 by Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.