On Friday (March 27), country singer Joe Diffie made a statement revealing that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
“I am under the care of medical professions and currently receiving treatment after testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19),” the statement read. “My family and I are asking for privacy at this time.”
Posted by Joe Diffie on Friday, March 27, 2020
Just two days later, on Sunday (March 29), he passed away from coronavirus complications. His family revealed the news on his Facebook account.
GRAMMY®-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29 from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19). His family requests privacy at this time.
Posted by Joe Diffie on Sunday, March 29, 2020
Once news spread about Diffie’s death, tributes began pouring in from fellow country singers like Travis Tritt and Toby Keith.
Another person who paid tribute to the “John Deere Green” singer is The King of Country himself, George Strait. Social media posts from Strait are few and far between, so hearing from him – and not someone from his team – is a rarity.
“We’ve lost one of our own now to this silent enemy. This really hit home to me,” he said. “I worked with Joe in the past. Great guy and hugely talented singer and entertainer.”
He continued, “Let’s pray for his family and for all those who were affected by this terrible virus. We are going to win.“
Strait also urged his fans to stay home and pray for friends, family, healthcare workers, President Trump, and the entire world.
See his statement below.