Diffie shared his diagnosis two days earlier
GRAMMY-winning country music legend Joe Diffie has died following complications from coronavirus (COVID-19). His publicist confirmed Diffie passed away today (Sun, March 29th) at the age of 61.
“GRAMMY-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19),” his publicist shares. “His family respects their privacy at this time.”
Diffie announced his diagnosis on Friday (March 27th), stating he was under medical care for it after contracting it last week.
“I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment,” Diffie stated. “My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic.”
Jackson Browne, Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan and Olivia Lane are among the musicians who have shared their positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
The Tulsa native is survived by five children and wife Tara. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Diffie’s family during this difficult time.
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 1990’s, Diffie has 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.
The tributes from celebs have been pouring in since this shocking news was released.
Oh no … Joe Diffie has passed away …. This is a tough one… #RIPJoeDiffie pic.twitter.com/uZYt27CZtK
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) March 29, 2020
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
How can this be??? Another dear friend & legend gone?!! @JoeDiffieOnline has passed away from Coronavirus. He was an incredible talent, loyal friend & one of the best souls you’d ever want to meet…. God be with us all during this time, RIP…. #rip #joediffie
– @JayDeMarcus pic.twitter.com/sTcFivnMWK— Rascal Flatts (@rascalflatts) March 29, 2020
I am so sad about Joe Diffie. I always loved working with him and just got to see him and visit with him recently at The Opry. Praying for his family and loved ones. @ Nashville, Tennessee https://t.co/ilFFYoLXNW
— Sara Evans (@saraevansmusic) March 29, 2020
“Even though I’ve been doing this for a long time, it’s like I want to pinch myself still. It’s an awful neat deal to be able to live out your dream.” – Joe Diffie
Joe, thank you for all of the music and light you've given us. Thank you for letting us be part of your dream. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QY0wzZAm08
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) March 29, 2020
I knew this was bound to hit close to home. Today it did. I just heard the news of Joe Diffie’s passing. I am sick in my spirit because I can’t bear the thought of not hearing that voice for a while. He was a dear friend& understood me and my convictions. Full post on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/WgV52wEMkZ
— Darryl Worley (@darrylworley) March 29, 2020
RIP to the great Joe Diffie . We became buds over the last couple of years . It’s always great getting to know the people you were a fan of as a kid. That was absolutely the case w JD. Joe died of Coronavirus complications pic.twitter.com/uBZ0hw9kYQ
— Bobby Bones (@mrBobbyBones) March 29, 2020
So saddened to hear the news of our dear friend @JoeDiffieOnline … Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joe’s family and loved ones during this time.
— Montgomery Gentry (@mgunderground) 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.
Please celebrate his music today everyone, go listen again to his records. pic.twitter.com/OYiyPTbLCy— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) March 29, 2020
We've lost a friend, @JoeDiffieOnline to this horrible virus. Wishing his family and all those who knew and loved Joe the very best in strength and peace of mind. Let that "jukebox" play him off to rest in peace.
— Clint Black (@Clint_Black) March 29, 2020
I just learned that @JoeDiffieOnline has passed away due to complications from the Coronavirus. Joe was a friend and touring partner with me in the 90’s. This comes as a huge shock to all of us in the country music community. Deepest condolences to Joe’s family, friends and fans.
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 29, 2020
I am deeply saddened at the news of Joe Diffie’s death. He and I were label mates on SONY Epic Records for many years… I am honored & humbled, to have known him. May God bless and comfort Joe’s family and welcome him into Eternity. We’ll miss you, Brother. -Collin pic.twitter.com/9FvDNOW4IF
— Collin Raye (@CollinRaye) March 29, 2020
Country music won’t be the same without you. Another amazing COUNTRY voice gone way to soon. This is country music. Shawna xoxo Joe Diffie – Is It Cold In Here https://t.co/p70mmaKZJg via @YouTube
— Thompson Square (@thompsonsquare) March 29, 2020
Man RIP Joe Diffie. A staple for so much about what I love in country music. This shit is real y’all. Please stay home and stay safe.
— Travis Denning (@Travis_Denning) March 29, 2020
Shocked and saddened to hear that our friend, and country music legend, Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29 from complications of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our prayers to his family, friends and fans. https://t.co/YFEtUnt5WI
— Confederate Railroad (@ConfederateRR) March 29, 2020
Gonna miss him. My heart is broken as we have lost a friend and one of the best voices in country music. @JoeDiffieOnline, you will be missed brother. pic.twitter.com/O0RDsuK2RY
— Tyler Farr (@tylerfarr) March 29, 2020
I used to drive back and forth from Texas to TN listening to nothing but @JoeDiffieOnline songs… I was lucky to get to know him… #RIP
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) March 29, 2020
“So sad to hear the news of Joe Diffie’s passing today. He and I were both born on the same day December 28, 1958 and would always talk about that when we were around each other. Rest In Peace my brother. You will be missed.” – Mike McGuire
— Shenandoah (@Shenandoahband) March 29, 2020
— Dustin Lynch (@dustinlynch) March 29, 2020
The first guitar pull we ever played @JoeDiffieOnline was the host. At the end all the artists sang “John Deere Green” together with him leading the way. That night is one of my favorite music moments in the journey and something I’ll never forget. Rest In Peace Joe Diffie.
— A Thousand Horses (@athousandhorses) March 29, 2020
I’m heartbroken and in shock just like all of you over this awful news. @JoeDiffieOnline possessed one of the most incredible pure country voices on the planet, and he was always so much fun to be around. My prayers are with his family at this sad time. Rest In Peace ol’ pal. pic.twitter.com/BOgd5CTf0v
— Steve Wariner (@stevewariner) March 29, 2020
RIP. @JoeDiffieOnline.🙏🏼🤍 https://t.co/K5ZTGryKe4
— Lindsay Ell (@lindsayell) March 29, 2020
2020… damn. RIP Pickup Man. So sad. We lost Joe Diffie
— Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) March 29, 2020
Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Joe Diffie. The 6 time ACM Award nominee brought a light to Country Music that will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/lOqMzl9w4a
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) March 29, 2020
Consistently one of the kindest artists to run into. This is really, really heavy. Thinking of his beautiful wife and family. 💔 https://t.co/0hzzXAtrMG
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) March 29, 2020
💔 Joe Diffie – Ships That Don't Come In (Official Video) https://t.co/2UyemawGXr via @YouTube
— Brandy Clark (@TheBrandyClark) March 29, 2020
@JoeDiffieOnline was one of the nicest stars on the planet. The REAL deal. I’m incredibly sorry for his family. Thanks for the great memories Joe, miss you. @opry family member. #pickupman
— Chris Janson (@janson_chris) March 29, 2020
Just got word that Joe Diffie has passed away.
Sincere condolences to his family
It’s such a shock and such a loss for Country Music
Rest In Peace Joe— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) March 29, 2020
wait… did we lose Joe Diffie?
— Jordan Rager (@Jordan_Rager) March 29, 2020
