One of the biggest stars of country music, Don Williams, died on Friday at the age of 78, his publicist said.
He died on the same day as Troy Gentry, one half of the country music duo Montgomery Gentry, who was killed in a helicopter crash in New Jersey.
“2 legends lost at once. Troy Gentry and Don Williams will be missed so much. Praying for their families and may they rest in peace,” country-pop band Big & Rich wrote on Twitter.
The statement announcing the passing of Williams said he died of an undisclosed illness but gave no further details.
Williams was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010 and released his last studio album, “Reflections,” in 2014.
Known as “the Gentle Giant” because of his 6-foot, 1-inch frame, mellow voice and low-key profile, Williams had hits with “Tulsa Time,” “I Believe in You” and “It Must Be Love,” over the course of a 50-year career.
