Post by Jessiealan on Nov 19, 2017 11:59:37 GMT -5
Country music legend Mel Tillis has died, according to a statement from his publicist.
The Tennessean first reported that Tillis died early Sunday at the age of 85.
He recorded over 60 albums during his six decade music career, with "Coca-Cola Cowboy" becoming one of his biggest hits. The singer-songwriter also penned hits for dozens of artists, including Kenny Rogers and Randy Travis.
The country star was known for a speech impediment he picked up in childhood, but it never affected his singing voice.
In 2007, Tillis' daughter Pam, who is also a country singer, inducted her father into the prestigious Grand Ole Opry. He would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame one year later. In 2012, President Barack Obama awarded Tillis the National Medal of Arts.
Earlier this year, Tillis' health struggles became known to the public. In January, his publicist announced the star had been receiving home care following surgery and treatment for a digestive disease. Tillis' had been hospitalized in Nashville in 2016 with diverticulitis and later underwent colon surgery.
Besides his daughter Pam, Tillis leaves behind five other children.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
www.wlwt.com/article/legendary-country-music-star-mel-tillis-dies-at-85/13803297