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Country legend, Joe Diffie, has died, just two days after announcing he tested positive for the coronavirus. He was 61 years old.
The news was confirmed in a statement to E! News. "Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus," it read. "His family respects their privacy at this time."
The country singer was the first in the scene to reveal his diagnosis, which he did on Friday on Facebook. "I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment," he wrote. "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."
Tributes came pouring in for the Grammy-winning artist, with Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus and Jason Aldean taking to social media to mourn his passing.
"Man what a week Kenny Rogers and now @officialjoediffie," Jason Aldean wrote on Instagram. "This guy was an amazing singer and an even greater person. Such a sad week for the country music world. Joe was always so much fun to be around and I will never forget our Panama City show with @tylerfarr and @therealtracylawrence ??...We will miss u my friend. Thanks for teaching us how to "Diffie". #1994"
According to Variety, after hearing about his death, fans honoured him in the best way they knew how – playing his music. They started sharing a song that only went to number three in 1993: Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die).
