The country music world is reacting to the death of Mel Tillis, who passed away Sunday (Nov. 19) after a long illness. He was 85.
Stars such as Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Crystal Gale, Charlie Daniels, and others, paid tribute to the late artist on social media.
“Some of my most cherished memories are the times I spent with Mel Tillis,” Shelton wrote on Twitter. “Many many great memories. From fishing, to just having a beer, to him crashing my concert!”
One of the most colorful personalities the music business has ever seen, the Country Music Hall of Fame member enjoyed success as a writer, actor, and performer, as well as a comedian during his storied career.
Read more tributes to Tillis below.
Man, one of the coolest guys in country music ever and an extraordinary songwriter! So glad I got a chance to hang out with him a bit early in my career. Thinking about his family... #MelTillis pic.twitter.com/C0opYMRCJX
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) November 19, 2017Some 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, 2017I’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, 2017Kindest man I've ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Gonna be some great country music in heaven this Sunday #MelTillis pic.twitter.com/zDHDQfMCZU
— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) November 19, 2017Rest In Peace: Mel Tillis pic.twitter.com/bmoopjEirh
— Bellamy Brothers (@BellamyBrothers) November 19, 2017Rest In Peace, my friend Mel Tillis. The Orlando family lost a great friend, and the world lost a great man. pic.twitter.com/WLWtCPHE6n
— Tony Orlando (@TonyOrlando) November 19, 2017Mel 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, 2017So sad to hear of the passing of #MelTillis. Keeping @PamTillis and the rest of the family in our thoughts and prayers and sending love. ❤️-- He will be greatly missed.
— Meghan Linsey (@meghanlinsey) November 19, 2017Sending love to @PamTillis today, who lost her dad, the great #MelTillis.
— Gretchen Peters (@gretchenpeters) November 19, 2017Mel 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, 2017Awww...I loved Mel Tillis! What a bright light he was to Country Music. May he rest peacefully in the presence of our everlasting Father. May God comfort his family and friends and fans. #RIP #MelTillis
— Dixie Lee (TRUMP) (@DixieLeeMusic) November 19, 2017
Photo: Getty Images