COUNTRY music legend John Anderson has died at the age of 71.
The iconic voice behind Swingin and Straight Tequila Night was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024 with his heartbroken family paying a touching tribute.
John, a native of Apopka, Florida, passed away on Wednesday.
His cause of death is yet to be announced.
An emotional statement from John’s family read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend.
“To the world, he was a gifted country music singer whose voice and songs touched countless lives.
“To us, he was so much more. He was the heart of our family, the one who made us laugh, loved us fiercely, and made every ordinary moment feel special.
“We are completely heartbroken.
“His music will live on, but for us, his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave his family and the memories we will carry with us forever.
“Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this unimaginable loss.”
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He boasted a trio of hugely popular number one hits on the country charts for Wild and Blue, Black Sheep and his signature song Swingin.
John’s last public appearance saw him appear alongside his fellow inductees at the Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony in Nashville on October 18.
They were inducting the 2026 stars Tim McGraw, Paul Overstreet and the Stanley Brothers.
John said his own induction into the elusive club was one of his best achievements.
He told Rolling Stone at the time: “One of the main gratifications is I got to live to see it.
“Several of my friends were inducted posthumously.”
John leaves behind his wife of 43 years Jamie Anderson and their two daughters Brionna and Alexa.