November 20, 2017
The country music community is mourning the loss of Country Music Hall of Fame member, Mel Tillis. Tillis, died Sunday (Nov. 19) at the Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida at the age of 85.
A talented singer, songwriter, showman and actor, Tillis may best be known for his stutter - a lifetime speech impediment that became part of his act and endeared him to fans.
He began his career in Nashville as a songwriter. His song, “I’m Tired,” was a hit for Webb Pierce in 1957 but the following year, Tillis scored his own hit with “The Violet and a Rose.”
During the 1970s and 1980s, he hit his stride - both musically and as an actor. He scored hits like “I Ain’t Never,” “Good Woman Blues,” “Heart Healer,” “I Believe In You,” and “Coca Cola Cowboy.” Tillis also appeared in movies such as Every Which Way But Loose, Smokey and The Bandit II, Cannonball Run and more. Tillis also made frequent television appearances on episodes of the Dukes of Hazzard, The Love Boat, and Hollywood Squares.
Tillis was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2007 (by his daughter, Pam) and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame that same year.
According to CMT.com, Tillis underwent colon surgery in Nashville in January 2016 and returned to his home in Ocala, Florida, for medical care and physical therapy.
Country music stars and celebrities took to Twitter to express their condolences.
Some 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, 2017
Mel Tillis, you will be missed by so many of us you touched over the years.
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) November 19, 2017
Rest in peace my friend.
Mel Tillis was old school. He said what he thought in his songs & they meant something. Any group needs a song that puts them on the map & the First Edition had that w/ "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town," thanks to Mel. We will always be thankful for that. I'll miss Mel a lot. pic.twitter.com/NLuACgRzkX
— Kenny Rogers (@_KennyRogers) November 20, 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
Lots of artists are called "prolific" but few embodied the word like country music legend Mel Tillis. #RIP. Consummate showman, songwriter and singer. Read the reminiscences and reflections from country stars across the generations. He will be missed. #MelTillis
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) November 19, 2017
My dear friend #MelTillis passed away today. He helped me so much when I first came to Branson. He will be greatly missed. God bless you my friend.
— Jimmy Osmond (@jimmyosmond) November 19, 2017
Mel 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, 2017
#MelTillis 😘 You brought joy to Country Music and it will never be the same without you. I will always love cherish you and our friendship!
— Marie Osmond (@marieosmond) November 20, 2017
Rest in peace my dear friend. 🎶💋
👉https://t.co/PBQOwvRMz3 #DonnyAndMarie
So 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, 2017