Breaking: David Allan Coe Dies At 86
on Apr 29, 2026
Outlaw Country Pioneer David Allan Coe Has Passed Away
Legendary musician and pillar of the outlaw country movement, David Allan Coe, has passed away. He was 86 years old.
A representative for Coe has confirmed to Country Rebel that he passed away in the hospital around 5 p.m. EST on April 29th, after spending time in the intensive care unit. A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
The representative shared a short and sweet statement about the late musician:
“David loved his fans and music.”
David Allan Coe leaves behind his wife, Kimberly Hastings Coe, with whom he celebrated his 16th wedding anniversary earlier this month. Additionally, he is survived by his five children: Tyler Mahan Coe, Tanya Montana Coe, Shelli Coe, Shyanne Coe, and Carla Coe.
David Allan Coe’s Life & Legacy
David Allan Coe was born in 1939 in Akron, Ohio. His early years were troubled, and the future star spent many years in and out of reform schools and prisons. Eventually, he found himself incarcerated at the Ohio State Penitentiary, where he began writing songs and performing.
After his release in the late 1960s, Coe moved to Nashville to try to find his way in the music industry. At one point, he reportedly lived in his car outside the Ryman Auditorium.
He saw his first taste of success in 1975 when Tanya Tucker recorded his song “Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone).” It later became a No. 1 hit.
Shortly after, He signed with Columbia Records and began his career as a recording artist. In total, Coe released 42 studio albums, 4 live albums, 1 collaborative studio album, and 1 audiobook, plus many compilation albums during his career.
He is considered to be one of the pioneers of the outlaw country movement alongside Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Some of his biggest hits included “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” “The Ride,” and “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile.”
Our prayers are with all who loved David Allan Coe during this time. May he rest in peace.
