Country music legend Mel Tillis passed away early Sunday morning at the Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida. Tillis battled intestinal issues since early 2016 and never fully recovered. The suspected cause of death is respiratory failure. Tillis was 85.
The Country Music Hall of Famer who performed several times at the Franklin Theatre leaves behind six children (Pam Tillis, Connie Tillis, Cindy Shorey, Sonny Tillis, Carrie April Tillis, and Hannah Puryear), six grandchildren, a great grandson, a sister (Linda Crosby) and brother (Richard Tillis), the mother of five of his children (Doris Tillis), his longtime partner (Kathy DeMonaco), and many lifelong friends and fans around the world.
The Tillis family asks for your prayers and will soon release more information regarding funeral services in Florida and Nashville.
Lonnie Melvin Tillis was born in Tampa, Florida on August 8, 1932. Throughout his 60+ year career, the Grand Ole Opry member recorded more than 60 albums, had 35 Top Ten singles, six #1 hits (“I Ain’t Never,” “Coca-Cola Cowboy,” “Southern Rains,” “Good Woman Blues,” “Heart Healer,” and “I Believe In You”), was named the Country Music Association’s coveted Entertainer of the Year, and was elected a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He wrote over 1,000 songs, 600 of which have been recorded by major artists including Kenny Rogers (“Ruby, Don’t You Take Your Love To Town”), George Strait (“Thoughts Of A Fool”), and Ricky Skaggs (“Honey, Open That Door”). Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) named Tillis Songwriter of the Decade for two decades. In February of 2012 President Obama awarded Tillis the National Medal of Arts.
Country music artist, Blake Shelton shared several tweets about this loss of Tillis along with Charlie Daniels, Crystal Gayle, and the Bellamy Brothers.
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
Mel 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, 2017
Rest In Peace: Mel Tillis pic.twitter.com/bmoopjEirh
— Bellamy Brothers (@BellamyBrothers) November 19, 2017
I’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, 2017