News broke of Joe Diffie’s death from complications of coronavirus on Sunday March 29 and country stars and country fans alike were shocked and saddened.
Many took to social media to share their condolences and love of the country singer. Friends like Mark Chesnutt, Terri Clark, Darryl Worley and John Michael Montgomery shared their grief. “”I just lost my friend. I love him as a person and one of the GREATEST singers of all time,” Mark wrote in part in a post.
Two days earlier, Joe had revealed that he had tested positive for the virus in a statement through his publicist. “I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment,” he said .”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.”
Our hearts go out to Joe’s family and friends.
1. Cole Swindell
“2020… damn. RIP Pickup Man. So sad. We lost Joe Diffie”
2020… damn. RIP Pickup Man. So sad. We lost Joe Diffie
— Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) March 29, 2020
2. Charlie Daniels
“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”
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
3. Toby Keith
“We are feeling it now. Oklahoma boy Joe Diffie has passed away from this virus. My kids grew up around his parents. My prayers will be with his family. A great traditional voice will live on cuz I’m putting his music on now. Here’s a beer to ya, Joe. Go get your reward. -T”
We are feeling it now. Oklahoma boy Joe Diffie has passed away from this virus. My kids grew up around his parents. My prayers will be with his family. A great traditional voice will live on cuz I’m putting his music on now. Here’s a beer to ya, Joe. Go get your reward. -T
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) March 29, 2020
4. Trace Adkins
“Oh my God. One of the all-time GREAT vocalists. Joe Diffie was my friend. RIP, buddy. @JoeDiffieOnline“
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
5. Darryl Worley
“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.”
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
6. Ricky Skaggs
“I was saddened to hear that my friend & fellow Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie passed away today. Joe was a great singer, songwriter, & entertainer that left his mark in Country Music. His clear voice and unique singing style made him immediately recognizable.” – Ricky Skaggs”
“I was saddened to hear that my friend & fellow Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie passed away today. Joe was a great singer, songwriter, & entertainer that left his mark in Country Music. His clear voice and unique singing style made him immediately recognizable.” – Ricky Skaggs pic.twitter.com/WKpoTZ3EAI
— Ricky Skaggs (@RickySkaggs) March 29, 2020
7. Collin Raye
“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”
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
8. John Michael Montgomery
“Just found out the very sad news about my buddy #JoeDiffie passing away from complications of COVID-19. This is so heartbreaking, I just don’t even know what to say. GOD BLESS his family and loved ones. A sad, sad day for country music. Rest In Peace.”
Just found out the very sad news about my buddy #JoeDiffie passing away from complications of COVID-19.
This is so heartbreaking, I just don’t even know what to say. GOD BLESS his family and loved ones. A sad, sad day for country music. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/ausMDxzd8F
— John Michael Montgomery (@JM2Squared) March 29, 2020
9. Rascal Flatts
“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“
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
10. Bryan White
“In complete shock and disbelief over the loss of The great #JoeDiffie. It just isn’t real. This news is awful. Joe’s voice was one of a kind. One of the greatest voices in Country Music. Huge fan. Prayers for his family. He’ll be missed. Love you Joe. Rest In Peace #home #okies“
In complete shock and disbelief over the loss of The great #JoeDiffie. It just isn’t real. This news is awful. Joe’s voice was one of a kind. One of the greatest voices in Country Music. Huge fan. Prayers for his family. He’ll be missed. Love you Joe. Rest In Peace #home #okies pic.twitter.com/6GPR4GHeZ1
— bryan_white (@bryan_white) March 29, 2020
11. Terri Clark
“The angels must have been missing some true country music, because God just brought another legend home.
That it was Covid-19 that claimed the life of Joe Diffie seems surreal, all I know is that our tremendous loss is now heaven’s gain.
Grammy winner, Opry member, one of the best singers to ever hit Nashville ,family man, good old boy and great guy. Losing Joe is heartbreaking for his family and for all of us who had the good fortune to call him friend. To say he will be missed doesn’t seem adequate, but words are starting to fail.
I hope Joe, Kenny Rogers, and Jan Howard are playing a standing cloud only show tonight. And I hope the choirs of angels have what they need for now. We will miss you @officialjoediffie @opry @recordingacademy #joediffie #legendary #90scountry #Home”
12. Granger Smith
“Here’s to you Pickup Man. You inspired an entire generation of country singers and accepted us all with kindness, gratitude and buckets of talent. #joediffie”
Here’s to you Pickup Man. You inspired an entire generation of country singers and accepted us all with kindness, gratitude and buckets of talent. 🙏🏼 #joediffie
— Granger Smith (@GrangerSmith) March 29, 2020
13. Carrie Underwood
“Absolutely no words for the loss of Joe Diffie. The music and legacy he leaves behind are legendary. Prayers for his family and friends.
”
Absolutely no words for the loss of Joe Diffie. The music and legacy he leaves behind are legendary. Prayers for his family and friends. 💔
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) March 29, 2020
14. Eli Young Band
“Rest In Peace Joe Diffie! You were one of the most iconic and distinct voices on country radio. You will be missed by so many.”
Rest In Peace Joe Diffie! You were one of the most iconic and distinct voices on country radio. You will be missed by so many. pic.twitter.com/gRRpLxhSWD
— Eli Young Band (@EliYoungBand) March 29, 2020
15. John Rich
“The LEGENDARY #JoeDiffie was an artists artist. His music was honky tonk 101 if you wanted to be the real deal in our business. No one ever sang it better, and no one was ever more down to earth and caring for other singers. We’ll miss you Joe. @jakeowen @BigKennyTV @cowboytroy”
The LEGENDARY #JoeDiffie was an artists artist. His music was honky tonk 101 if you wanted to be the real deal in our business. No one ever sang it better, and no one was ever more down to earth and caring for other singers. We'll miss you Joe. @jakeowen @BigKennyTV @cowboytroy pic.twitter.com/HdpOP01NYm
— John Rich (@johnrich) March 29, 2020
16. Phil Vassar
“We just lost one of the best singers this town has ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with Joe Diffie’s family”
We just lost one of the best singers this town has ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with Joe Diffie's family pic.twitter.com/2FqC25R7tw
— Phil Vassar (@philvassar) March 29, 2020
17. The Oak Ridge Boys
“Oh no … Joe Diffie has passed away …. This is a tough one… #RIPJoeDiffie“
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
18. Mark Chesnutt
“I just lost my friend. I love him as a person and one of the GREATEST singers of all time. I’ve known Joe and did a lot of shows with him for thirty years. I will miss him for the rest of my life. I will pay tribute to my buddy at all my shows. I love you Joe.”
