Country Music Community ‘Shocked,’ ‘Heartbroken’ Over the Deaths of Troy Gentry and Don Williams

As news of their deaths spread, many country artists took to Twitter to express their sadness and send prayers to the families of the deceased. 

Written by Lauren Jo Black
Country Music Community ‘Shocked,’ ‘Heartbroken’ Over the Deaths of Troy Gentry and Don Williams
Troy Gentry; Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images, Don Williams; Photo by Steve Thorne/Redferns via Getty Images

Friday (Sept. 8) was a tough day for the country music community. Not only did it lose one its’ most distinctive songwriters with the passing of Don Williams, tragedy struck with the unexpected death of Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry.

Williams passed away after a short illness at the age of 78, while Gentry, 50, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash. As news of their deaths spread, country artists took to Twitter to express their sadness and send prayers to the families of the deceased.

Many artists thanked Williams for his contributions to the genre and for paving the way for other songwriters. Keith Urban, who has often cited Williams as one of his biggest influences, was absolutely crushed by the news. “I cannot put into words the depth of sadness I feel right now at hearing of Don’s passing.,” he wrote.

Several artists penned heartfelt messages about Gentry, remembering him as a kind soul and someone who always had a smile on his face. “Man they just don’t make em any nicer than Troy Gentry,” wrote Randy Houser. “He was always very very kind. Just can’t believe it. What a loss.”

See below for more tributes to Williams and Gentry.