Country music legend Mel Tillis passed away early last 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. Close friends and family of the late country singer gathered at a memorial service in Clarksville, Tennessee on Nov. 27, fellow Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill of those in attendance. While cameras weren’t permitted in the service, Gill gave fans an insight into the memorial in an interview with Nashville TV station WTVF.
“It was sweet. Everybody that got up…his daughter Carrie sang, [daughter] Pam spoke, and great preachers, great friends. You get a room full of people that all love somebody, and that’s a good way to spend some time,” shared Gill.
Gill went on to commend Tillis for his status as “one of the best songwriters that ever came to Nashville,” Tillis penning over 1,000 songs during his six-decade-long career.
“That’s what I’ll always take with me, is how much fun we had together,” Vince said. “I have a wicked sense of humor like he did, and we cut up and we told stories. I wouldn’t take anything for that. Just the fact that we got to share a couple of great stories at the Ryman [Auditorium] and tease each other a little bit, made for a great friend.”
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.
You can watch the full interview below.