Joe Diffie, Country Music Legend Dies of COVID-19 at 61

Joe Diffie, American Country music star has died from coronavirus. The hit-maker was only 61 years old.

The Grammy winner passed away on Sunday according to his publicist, after he went public about contracting COVID-19 on Friday.

“Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus,” a statement read that was shared with E! News. “His family respects their privacy at this time.”

According to Variety, he was the first country singer to go public with his diagnosis.

“I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment,” his statement read on the social media platform. “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.”

Diffie wasn’t the only celebrity to be affected by COVID-19.

Earlier this month, Idris Elba, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson and Prince Charles all announced they tested positive to coronaviris.

However, many stars have been healing, practicing social distancing and have started to feel better.

Who is Joe Diffie

Diffie‘s music appeal led him to 17 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in the ‘90s. Diffie, who recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, is best known for such No. 1s as “Home,” “If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets),” “Third Rock From The Sun,” “Pickup Man” and “Bigger Than The Beatles.”

An influence on the generation that came after him, he had been celebrated in song by both Jason Aldean (“1994) and Chris Young (“Raised On Country”).

In addition to his success as a performer, the Tulsa native was also a successful songwriter, penning hits for artists like Tim McGraw, Conway Twitty and Jo Dee Messina.

The singer had been planning to release “I Got This,” his first new album in seven years.

Earlier this month, he postponed a concert in Georgia, citing coronavirus concerns.