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.
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.
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.
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