Country music legend Mel Tillis passed away early Sunday morning (Nov. 19), according to a statement released by his publicist. He was 85.
Following the devastating news, love and support began pouring out from the country music community. In a series of tweets posted to his social media, Blake Shelton remembered the man he will miss “terribly.”
“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! 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,” Shelton wrote via Twitter.
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
He did his best to try and keep my head on straight. I looked up to Mel more than he could’ve possibly known. A talented songwriter. An incredible entertainer. And a funny funny guy. It has been a couple years since I saw him last. I deeply regret that now.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) November 19, 2017
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
Tillis died at the Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida, the Country Music Hall of Famer seeking treatment there for intestinal issues. Tillis has been battling health problems since 2016.
The singer was an expert singer-songwriter, penning over 1,000 songs and recorded more than 60 albums over the course of his six-decade-long career. Tillis also had a career in acting, appearing in films Cannonball Run and Smokey and the Bandit II in addition to a TV appearance in an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard.
Please join us in praying for the Tillis family during this difficult time.