Country music legend Joe Diffie dies at 61
Country music legend Joe Diffie reportedly has died after testing positive for COVID-19, according to news station WKRN, citing his publicist. Diffie was 61.
#BREAKING: Country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today “from complications of #COVID19,” his publicist says. Diffie was 61 years old. @WKRN
— (@JoshBreslowWKRN)Mar 29 2020
Publicist Scott Adkins previously released a statement to The Associated Press from Diffie that said he was under the care of medical professionals and was receiving treatment.
“My family and I are asking for privacy at this time,” Diffie said in the statement. “We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic.”
The Grand Ole Opry member and Grammy winner is known for his hits in the 1990s including, “Honky Tonk Attitude,” “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox,” “John Deere Green,” “Third Rock From The Sun” and “Pickup Man."
The Grand Ole Opry and musician Charlie Daniels paid tribute to Diffie soon after his death was announced.
“Even though I’ve been doing this for a long time, it’s like I want to pinch myself still. It’s an awful neat deal to be able to live out your dream.” - Joe Diffie Joe, thank you for all of the music and light you've given us. Thank you for letting us be part of your dream. ❤️
— (@opry)Mar 29 2020
RIP @JoeDiffieOnline - TeamCDB/BW #RIP pic.twitter.com/fujxFvoKOs
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) March 29, 2020
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
Rich Barak of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributed to this report.
