Country singer Joe Diffie has died from complications related to COVID-19. The 61-year-old singer announced two days ago that he was being treated for the virus saying, “I am currently under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment after testing positive for COVID-19. 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.”
Sadly, his family announced late Sunday afternoon that the singer had died. “GRAMMY®-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29 from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19). His family requests privacy at this time.”
Back on March 14, Diffie cancelled a concert at the Tift Theatre in Tifton, Georgia, citing concern over the virus.
In a statement, Diffie said, “We are absolutely heartbroken to have to make this decision, but our number one responsibility and concern is the health and well-being of everyone in attendance, and given the obvious unforeseen circumstances, we simply have no choice.”
Diffie had huge hits in the 90s including John Deere Green, Pickup Man and Third Rock from the Sun. Thirty-five of his songs made the the country charts in the 1990s and early 2000s.
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Home, If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets), Third Rock from the Sun, Pickup Man, and Bigger Than the Beatles, all hit number one. He won a Grammy in 1998 for his collaboration with Marty Stuart on Same Old Train.
Reacting to Diffe’s passing the Country Music Association said, “We are heartbroken to hear news of Joe Diffie’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Brad Paisley said, “I’m devastated by the loss of my friend Joe Diffie. 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.
And do EVERYTHING we need to do to defeat this virus.”