In Memoriam: Honoring The Country Stars & Friends We Lost In 2025
on Dec 23, 2025
We Lost Some Of The Most Beloved Country Artists And Friends Of The Community In 2025
As 2025 comes to an end, we’re pausing to remember the country stars we lost this year. Sadly, we also lost many beloved “friends” of the country music community.
These artists and friends all deserved to be honored alongside each other in this end-of-year list. May it serve as a memorial to them and their legacies.
RELATED: IN MEMORIAM – REMEMBERING THE COUNTRY STARS AND FRIENDS WE LOST LAST YEAR, IN 2024
Please Join Us In Remembering The Country Stars And Friends We Lost This Year…
Buck White
Buck White, who was the oldest living member of the Grand Ole Opry, died on January 13, 2025, at the age of 94. The news of his passing was shared by his son-in-law, Ricky Skaggs, who posted a statement from Buck’s daughters.
“The Lord answered our prayers and took our daddy, Buck White, home peacefully this morning at 8:00 a.m.” the statement read. “We are so thankful for his 94 years on this earth. He was a great dad who taught us by example to put Jesus first always.”
Daryl Schiff
Daryl Schiff led the country-rock band The Schiffters, which included him, his wife Jeanne, son Marty, and daughter Martina. He also performed solo and released two albums of his own.
Daryl’s love for country music inspired his daughter Martina to follow in his footsteps. Y’all may know her…she’s Martina McBride.
Martina shared the heartbreaking news that her father passed away “suddenly and peacefully” on January 14 at the age of 86.
“He taught me so much about music, about life, about how to treat others,” Martina said. “Since my mom passed 5 years ago Dad and I talked on the phone every single night and sometimes during the day. Over 1800 conversations that I am so grateful I had.”
She added, “So much of who I am came from him. There is so much more I could write, and probably will.”
Melba Montgomery
Melba Montgomery was one of the country stars we lost in 2025. She was known for her solo hit “No Change,” and released several successful duets with George Jones, Gene Pitney, and Charlie Louvin. Those songs included “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds,” “Baby Ain’t That Fine,” and “Something to Brag About.”
Melba continued performing until 2015. She passed away ten years later, on January 15, 2025, following “a long battle with dementia.”
Her daughter, Melissa, shared the devastating news of her death on social media, writing:
“She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister to my uncle, sister-in-law to my aunts and aunt to my cousins. She fought a long battle with dementia but is now with her loving husband, Jack Solomon in Heaven. We know mom has been waiting to hold dad for over 10 years.”
Ben Vaughn
Ben Vaughn was the President and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville, a music publishing company. Additionally, he served on the board for the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and was the former Board Chair.
Ben died on January 30 at the age of 49. ACM CEO Damon Whiteside remembered him in a heartfelt tribute, writing:
“Ben was a champion of the Country Music genre and strong advocate for songwriters and good songs.”
Carl Dean
Dolly Parton‘s beloved husband, Carl Dean, died on March 3 at the age of 82. He and Dolly had been together for over 60 years and were married for nearly 59 of those years.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Dolly shared in a statement about his death. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
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Although he was married to one of the most famous women in the world, Carl Dean lived a private life. He was a mysterious man, but it was no mystery how much he and Dolly loved each other.
Troy Seals
Troy Seals was an admired country songwriter and a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He penned classic hits such as Conway Twitty‘s “There’s a Honky Tonk Angel,” George Jones‘ “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” and Willie Nelson and Ray Charles’ “Seven Spanish Angels.”
Sadly, Troy passed away on March 6 at the age of 86. He died at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Larry Bastian
Songwriter Larry Bastian was another star in the country music community who we lost in 2025. He passed away in Porterville, California, on April 6 at the age of 90.
Larry co-wrote some of Garth Brooks‘ most well-known songs, including “Rodeo” and “Unanswered Prayers.” Artists such as Conway Twitty, the Kendalls, Ray Price, and Craig Morgan also recorded songs penned by Larry.
David Briggs
Keyboardist, record producer, and studio owner David Briggs was an influential figure in the country music community. He played the keyboard on songs recorded by notable artists such as Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and Willie Nelson.
David died on April 22 at the age of 82. Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, shared a tribute to David, saying:
“David Briggs could play keyboards in any style. For more than four decades, his deft touch graced countless country, R&B, rock, and pop recordings…He further shaped Music City in co-founding Quadrafonic Studio and opening his own House of David studio. He was a man of music through and through.”
Lulu Roman
Lulu Roman was a longtime cast member on the country music-themed variety show Hee Haw. She also appeared on the spin-off series, Hee Haw Honeys.
After embracing Christianity in 1973, Lulu felt called to share her faith through song. She became a beloved gospel singer and was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
Lulu passed away on April 23 at the age of 78. Her son, Damon, shared that she had just moved to Bellingham, Washington, seven months before to be near him.
Johnny Rodriguez
Country music legend Johnny Rodriguez died on May 9 at the age of 73. His daughter, Aubry, confirmed the news of his death in a post on social media:
“Dad was not only a legendary musician whose artistry touched millions around the world, but also a deeply loved husband, father, uncle, and brother whose warmth, humor, and compassion shaped the lives of all who knew him,” Aubry said.
Johnny was known as the voice behind country hits such as “You Always Come Back To Hurting Me,” “Love Put a Song in My Heart,” “Down on the Rio Grande,” and “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico.”
Mark Laws
Mark Laws, the drummer for American Idol alum and country artist Alex Miller, was killed in a shooting on May 25. He was 62 years old.
The Tennessean reported that Mark was killed after a verbal altercation with his 25-year-old stepson, Maxwell Alan Madon.
Before joining Alex Miller’s band, Mark played drums for Little Jimmy Dickens. He and Alex formed a close bond, and Alex called him “a true friend.”
Alex wrote, “My grandad once told me that you’ll have lots of friends in your life, but finding a [true] friend is something that is rare and special. My grandad was a true friend, and so was Mark Laws. His loss to me is devastating. Please pray for his family for me.”
Randy White
Lorrie Morgan’s beloved husband of nearly 15 years, Randy White, passed away on June 1 at the age of 72.
“Randy has been my partner, my champion and my rock for 17 years,” Lorrie wrote in tribute to Randy. “Our big, wonderful family and I are devastated at the loss of this truly kind and incredible man. I was blessed by his love. Ran-Ran, I will love and miss you forever.”
Lorrie’s son, Jesse Keith Whitley, also paid tribute to Randy and shared the pivotal role he played in his life.
“As we say our goodbyes , I reminisce of all the good times we have had & the battles he has helped overcome. I can’t tell you the amount of love that has poured in from fans, family and friends. We will miss you always and forever and our hearts are shattered in losing you. But you have fought one helluva fight RanMan!“
Gailard Sartain
Gailard Sartain was an actor, comedian, and artist who rose to fame as a regular cast member on the country music-themed variety show Hee Haw. He remained on the program for 20 seasons.
He also played J.P. Richardson, “The Big Bopper,” in the 1978 film The Buddy Holly Story. Additionally, he starred in notable projects such as The Patriot, Mississippi Burning, and Fried Green Tomatoes.
Gailard died on June 17 at the age of 78. The Church Studio, located in Gailard’s hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, shared the news of his passing.
Connie Francis
Connie Francis died on July 16 after developing pneumonia. The 87-year-old singer had been hospitalized in the weeks before her death after suffering from “extreme pain.”
Although she was primarily known as the voice behind pop staples such as “Pretty Little Baby,” “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” and “Who’s Sorry Now?,” Connie also recorded country songs.
In 1959, Connie released a country album named Country & Western – Golden Hits. Then, she dropped the album Country Music Connie Style in 1962, which included covers of Patsy Cline‘s “I Fall to Pieces” and Johnny Cash‘s “I Walk the Line.”
Hank Williams Jr. and Connie released a duets album in 1964. Their collaboration came after she previously covered his father Hank Williams‘ “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “Cold, Cold Heart” on her Golden Hits album.
Helen Cornelius
Helen Cornelius was another country star the world lost in 2025. The CMA Award-winning artist passed away on July 18 at the age of 83.
The news of her death was confirmed in a post on her official Facebook page from someone named Susan.
“I’ve heard from Christy, and Helen did pass yesterday (July 18) morning. I plan on keeping this page open as you all have posted such lovely photos of yourselves with Helen. If you’d like to post a favorite photo or memory, please feel free!“
Helen experienced success as a solo artist and as Jim Ed Brown’s duet partner. Together, they recorded hit collaborations such as “I Don’t Want to Have to Marry You,” “Saying Hello, Saying I Love You, Saying Goodbye,” and “Born Believer.”
Jeannie Seely
The legendary Jeannie Seely passed away on August 1 due to complications from an intestinal infection. She had just turned 85, roughly a month before her death.
Jeannie was a beloved country star and longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry. She performed on the famous stage 5,397 times, more than any other artist in Opry history.
“In her 57 years as an Opry member, she is recognized for changing the image of female country performers with her bold fashion statements, championed efforts to support and enhance women’s roles in the music industry and was quite proud to be the first female to host a segment of the Opry,” The Opry shared in a tribute to Jeannie after her death.
They continued, “Your legacy will always live on here at the Opry House, ‘Miss Country Soul.’ We will miss you dearly.”
Brandon Blackstock
Brandon Blackstock was a former talent manager, working with major acts such as Kelly Clarkson (to whom he was married from 2013 to 2022), Rascal Flatts, and Blake Shelton. His father, fellow talent manager Narvel Blackstock, was married to Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015.
Reba treated Brandon as her own, calling him her “oldest son” (Reba and Narvel share a son, Shelby, and Narvel also has two daughters).
Sadly, Brandon died on August 7 following a private, three-year battle with cancer. He was 48 years old.
Brett James
Brett James penned some of the biggest hits released in country music in recent years. Those songs include Carrie Underwood‘s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” Kenny Chesney‘s “Knowing You,” and Martina McBride’s “Blessed.”
Tragedy struck on September 18 when Brett’s Cirrus SR22T plane crashed in North Carolina. Brett, who was 57 years old, his wife, Melody Carole, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, were killed in the crash.
Artists who worked with Brett over the years, including Carrie, Kenny, and Dierks Bentley, shared emotional tributes on social media after learning about his death.
Todd Snider
Todd Snider, an influential singer and songwriter in the Americana and folk music scene, died on November 14. He was 59 years old.
“Aimless, Inc. Headquarters is heartbroken to share that our Founder, our Folk Hero, our Poet of the World, our Vice President of the Abrupt Change Dept., the Storyteller, our beloved Todd Daniel Snider has departed this world,” Todd’s team shared on his official Facebook page. “Where do we find the words for the one who always had the right words, who knew how to distill everything down to its essence with words and song while delivering the most devastating, hilarious, and impactful turn of phrases?”
The news of Todd’s death came shortly after he reported sustaining serious injuries in a “violent assault” outside of a hotel in Utah. Then, he canceled his High, Lonesome and Then Some Tour on November 3.
The story took another turn when Todd was arrested after he was hospitalized for the injuries he sustained in the alleged assault.
Todd was released the day after his arrest and traveled home to Nashville. He had trouble breathing after he returned and entered the hospital for treatment.
“We learned from his doctors that he had been quietly suffering from an undiagnosed case of walking pneumonia,” his friends and family shared on social media.
Walt Aldridge
Walt Aldridge, a respected songwriter and 2024 recipient of the ACM’s Poet Award, died on November 19 following a prolonged battle with an undisclosed illness. He was 70 years old.
You’ve likely loved and enjoyed many songs written by Walt. Those songs include Heartland’s “I Loved Her First,” Travis Tritt‘s “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde,” and Ronnie Milsap‘s “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me.”
Criscilla Anderson
Criscilla Anderson was an accomplished dancer and choreographer who worked with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Snoop Dogg, Britney Spears, and more.
She was married to country artist Coffey Anderson, and they had a reality show on Netflix called Country Ever After. They were reportedly in the middle of a divorce before Criscilla died this year.
Criscilla’s friend, Lindsey, shared the news of her death on December 2. Criscilla had been diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and bravely battled the disease for seven years.
The post Lindsey shared also included a message from Criscilla, which read:
“My sweet community, If you’re reading this, I’ve finally slipped into the arms of Jesus — peacefully and surrounded by love. Please don’t stay in the darkness of this moment. I fought hard and I loved deeply. I am not gone… I’m Home.”
Raul Malo
Raul Malo, the beloved frontman of the country-rock band The Mavericks, died on December 8 following a battle with cancer. He was 60 years old.
Betty Malo, Raul’s wife, shared the news of his passing in an emotional post on social media. She wrote:
“No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did. Now he will look down on us with all that heaven will allow, lighting the way and reminding us to savor every moment.”
Raul’s bandmates in the Mavericks honored him with a heartfelt tribute, saying:
“Though his earthly body may have passed, Raul’s spirit will live on forever in heaven, and here on earth through the music, joy, and light he brought forth. His contributions to American and Latin music will be everlasting, as his songs and voice touched fans and fellow artists around the world.”
Joe Ely
Joe Ely, a prominent figure in the progressive country music scene in Texas, passed away on December 15. He was 78 years old.
A statement on Joe’s official Facebook page shared that he died due to complications from Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia.
Although they are no longer with us, the individuals honored in this list will have their legacies live on through the music, other works, and family members they left behind.
As we say “goodbye” to 2025 to welcome 2026, we’ll continue to pray for the loved ones of every country star and friend we lost this year. May they all rest in peace…
Before you go, we leave you with Dolly Parton’s tear-jerking song, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” which she released shortly after her husband, Carl Dean, passed away this year.
