A number of country artists shared their sentiments regarding Joe Diffie, who passed away from complications of COVID-19 on March 29.
Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Scotty McCreery, Chris Young, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley and many more shared their love on social media and via statements.
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.”
Keith Urban
“Can’t believe the news about Joe Diffie ……. my heart breaks for your family and friends – and fans ……. count me right in there too – you were THE REAL DEAL JOE.”
Tim McGraw
“I loved Joe… His music, his spirit, and his love for music… One of the most influential vocalist of our time in country music. So many great songs… However “Ships That Don’t Come In” always gets me.”
Scotty McCreery
“Always great when you meet someone you’re a huge fan of, and they exceed all of your expectations. Joe was the man. I’ve loved his music since I was a kid, and he will be missed. John Deere Green will be on repeat for awhile.”
Brad Paisley
“I’m devastated by the loss of my friend @JoeDiffieOnline. 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.”
Luke Bryan
“Country music lost a legend today. Joe Diffie was one of the greats.”
Travis Tritt
“I just learned that @JoeDiffieOnline has passed away due to complications from the Coronavirus. Joe was a friend and touring partner with me in the 90’s. This comes as a huge shock to all of us in the country music community. Deepest condolences to Joe’s family, friends and fans.”
Clay Walker
“Heartbroken over Joe Diffie dying today…one of the greatest singers and an even better person…all my love and prayers go out to his family.”
Justin Moore
“So sad to hear of the passing of @JoeDiffieOnline. To his family, friends, road crew, band, etc, Thoughts and prayers being sent your way. Thanks for inspiring guys like me to follow in your footsteps Joe. RIP Pickup Man.”
Carly Pearce
“I can’t even begin to find the words. RIP @JoeDiffieOnline – you meant so much to our country music community and were such a dear friend to my husband. May your spirit & songs live on in us.”
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.”
Trace Adkins
“Oh my God. One of the all-time GREAT vocalists. Joe Diffie was my friend. RIP, buddy.”
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.”
Jay DeMarcus
“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”
Sara Evans
“I am so sad about Joe Diffie. I always loved working with him and just got to see him and visit with him recently at The Opry. Praying for his family and loved ones.”
Bellamy Brothers
We were devastated to hear about the passing of @JoeDiffieOnline today. We met Joe and became friends with him right after his first hits in the early 1990s. We will miss him so much and are sending our prayers to his family.
Kelsea Ballerini
“Consistently one of the kindest artists to run into. This is really, really heavy. Thinking of his beautiful wife and family.”
Morgan Wallen
“Joe Diffie man…. Our love for mullets made me feel connected to you in a special way. Rest easy brother.”
Chris Young
“I used to drive back and forth from Texas to TN listening to nothing but @JoeDiffieOnline songs… I was lucky to get to know him…”
Cole Swindell
“2020… damn. RIP Pickup Man. So sad. We lost Joe Diffie.”
Oak Ridge Boys
“Oh no … Joe Diffie has passed away …. This is a tough one…”
John Rich
“Joe was a real true honky-tonk hero to every country artist alive today. No one sang our music better than he did, and to see his life and artistry cut short is beyond tragic. He was loved, cherished and respected by all of country music and beyond. Thank you for all the great memories, brother Joe.”
Big Kenny Alphin
“So tragic and sad to lose such a nice guy and cherished voice of country music. God Bless you Joe Diffie.”
Deanna Carter
“I am so heartbroken to hear of Joe Diffie’s passing. Wow. Just shell shocked. I loved him as an artist & as one of the best singers ever. He was a powerhouse that stopped people in their tracks, both on & off stage. Was hoping to do some more shows with him this year. Such an incredible loss for our community….. Thoughts & prayers for his family & for everyone dealing with this illness.”
Eddie Montgomery
“So saddened to hear the news of our dear friend, Joe Diffie. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joe’s family and loved ones during this time.”
Colt Ford
“I really stopped in my tracks for the first time when I got the news of Joe passing away. We spoke a week ago and he said, ‘Don’t worry, Colt, I’m gonna be fine.’” He was one of the best country singers I have ever heard, and an even better guy. Rest Easy, Joe.”
Ricky Skaggs
“I was saddened to hear that my friend and fellow Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie passed away today. Joe was a great singer, songwriter, and entertainer that left his mark in Country Music. His clear voice and unique singing style made him immediately recognizable. We will all certainly miss him.”
Larry Gatlin
“Joe Diffie. A great friend. A great man. A great singer. A GREAT loss.”
Pam Tillis
“One of the best artists 90s Country ever served up. I worked fairs all over the country with Joe. It’s sort of like losing a classmate. Recently he sang a song with me, Lorrie Morgan and Darryl Worley, ‘Summer Wine.’ It was a perfect performance. He never hit a bad note and was just a regular guy. We all loved him. RIP, Joe Diffie.”
T.G. Sheppard
“So tragic to hear that another great legend’s voice has gone silent. He was and will remain one of country music’s great vocalists. It’s truly a sad day for our industry. Joe please tell our friends Kenny Rogers and Jan Howard we love them and to send down a prayer for all of us during this difficult time on earth. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Tara and their family.”
Collin Raye
“I am deeply saddened at the news of Joe Diffie’s death. He and I were labelmates on Sony Epic Records for many years. We worked together a lot over the years. I can honestly say that Joe was one of the truly good guys in our business. A real gentleman, and obviously, one of the greatest Country Music singers who ever lived. His records, ‘Home’ and ‘Ships That Don’t Come In’ are among my favorite records of all time. I am honored, and humbled, to have known him. May God Bless and comfort Joe’s family and welcome him into Eternity. We’ll miss you, Brother.”
Aaron Tippin
“I am in total shock and disbelief at the passing of my friend, tourmate and Country legend, Joe Diffie. My heart is broken and I’m praying for his family and for our country as we deal with this horrible pandemic. You will be missed, Joe. Rest in Peace.”
Sammy Kershaw
“I keep saying almost every night on stage Joe Diffie is the best Country voice in Country Music today. Gonna miss Joe. God bless him. Love you brother.”
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 and he understood me and my convictions. Most of all, he accepted me for who I am and I felt the same about him. There’s no filling his shoes and he will be missed by many. I loved him like a brother, and I’m thankful that I know where he is. My brother, I look forward to seeing your sweet face again. Please pray for the family and loved ones devastated by this terrible loss.”
Tanya Tucker
“Sometimes I hear bad news, and over and over again in that cold empty space, I think if I wait a minute or two, the news will change, but it’s final. Joe Diffie, one of our best singers and my buddy, is gone. We are the same age, so it’s very scary. I will miss his voice, his laughter, his songs. My thoughts go out to his entire family. I’ll love you always Joe and am so grateful you were in my life.”
Steve Wariner
“I’m heartbroken and in shock just like all of you over this awful news. Joe Diffie possessed one of the most incredible pure country voices on the planet, and he was always so much fun to be around. My prayers are with his family at this sad time. Rest In Peace ol’ pal.”
