Country Singer Joe Diffie Dies Of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Complications
Nashville, Tennessee – GRAMMY – winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away, Sunday, March 29th, 2020, from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nashville, Tennessee according to his publicist. His family ask for respects for their privacy at this time.
Just days earlier, Joe Diffie had announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, with releasing a message on social media on the 27th of March.
March 27th, 2020 Facebook Post
Joe Diffie recently visited Panama City Beach on vacation, and just a week before he was tested and it was confirmed that he had COVID-19. While in Panama City Beach on vacation, it was reported that he visited a local restaurant owned by very close friend of his who is a female county singer, and a former touring partner. She owns the restaurant, which is in the heart of Panama City Beach, and just steps away from the sandy beach.
Joe was to said to have stopped by for dinner, and dinned in a separated section of the business, but he did greet and meet fans that evening. He was reportedly not feeling well and having stomach issues that evening, but he believed it was a just a stomach bug.
The restaurant released the following statements on social media about the visit to their Panama City Beach restaurant:
When he returned home to Nashville, he was tested and it was confirmed he had COVID-19. Several days later, he passed away from complications of the disease.
Many County singers reached out on social media after word of his passing.
Oh my God. One of the all-time GREAT vocalists. Joe Diffie was my friend. RIP, buddy. @JoeDiffieOnline pic.twitter.com/snWhL5fcLo
— Trace Adkins (@TraceAdkins) March 29, 2020
I’m devastated by the loss of my friend @JoeDiffieOnline. I can’t find adequate words. But the records he made, that voice, the twinkle in his eye, and our memories cannot be taken away by this disease.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) March 29, 2020
Please celebrate his music today everyone, go listen again to his records. pic.twitter.com/OYiyPTbLCy
We are feeling it now. Oklahoma boy Joe Diffie has passed away from this virus. My kids grew up around his parents. My prayers will be with his family. A great traditional voice will live on cuz I’m putting his music on now. Here’s a beer to ya, Joe. Go get your reward. -T
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) March 29, 2020
Can’t believe the news about Joe Diffie ....... my heart breaks for your family and friends - and fans .......
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) March 29, 2020
count me right in there too - you were THE REAL DEAL JOE...
😞🙏 -KU
Absolutely no words for the loss of Joe Diffie. The music and legacy he leaves behind are legendary. Prayers for his family and friends. 💔
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) March 29, 2020
"Joe was a real true honky tonk hero to every country artist alive today. No one sang our music better than he did, and to see his life and artistry cut short is beyond tragic. He was loved, cherished and respected by all of country music and beyond. #rip #JoeDiffie pic.twitter.com/qFSb79tarl
— Big & Rich (@bigandrich) March 30, 2020
Sadly we lose another great country singer this week, my friend #JoeDiffie ... this time to the coronavirus - hard to believe. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest In Peace! @JoeDiffieOnline pic.twitter.com/T42GOg3qdL
— Lee Greenwood (@TheLeeGreenwood) March 29, 2020
Remembering a great night of performing with @JoeDiffieOnline at the @opry! My family and I send our deepest condolences to Joe’s family, friends and fans. One of the great traditional voices in country music… https://t.co/sufg2qGhqi
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 30, 2020
About Joe Diffie
CMA and GRAMMY®-winning country music legend Joe Diffie continues to be celebrated in hit song homages from Jason Aldean (“1994”) to Chris Young (“Raised On Country”), with a reign that includes 13 albums and more than 20 Top 10 hits to his credit. As one of the most successful singer/songwriters of the 1990s, Diffie also penned hits for artists like Tim McGraw, Conway Twitty, and Jo Dee Messina. A Tulsa native, his chart-dominating iconic songs include: “Home,” “If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets),” “New Way (To Light Up An Old Flame),” “Ships That Don’t Come In,” “Honky Tonk Attitude,” “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox,” “John Deere Green,” “Third Rock From The Sun,” “Pickup Man,” “So Help Me Girl,” “Bigger Than The Beatles,” “Texas Size Heartache,” “A Night To Remember,” “It’s Always Somethin’” and many more. Recently, he released Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie!, his first-ever vinyl LP. The Oklahoma Music Hall of Famer also celebrated a pinnacle career milestone of more than 25 years as a member of the historic Grand Ole Opry.
