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.
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.
R.I.P. T-ROY Gentry. Shared a lot of good times and drinks with ya. My prayers to your family. -T pic.twitter.com/pvBcv3ZvFI
— Toby Keith (@TobyKeithMusic) September 9, 2017
I’m shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of Troy. He was an amazing entertainer and friend. He will be deeply missed. @mgunderground pic.twitter.com/qWiNhKxDop
— Phil Vassar (@philvassar) September 8, 2017
Country music is at loss today. Our prayers are with the families of Don Williams & Troy Gentry. It’s a sad day.
— Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) September 8, 2017
Don Williams had a voice like the handshake from an old friend-just listened to GOOD OLE BOYS, and on and on! What a great soul – RIP Don
— Kix Brooks (@KixBrooks) September 9, 2017
Devastated to hear the news. Troy, thank you for your kindness, your spirit, your joy and the love you shared with everyone you met. pic.twitter.com/eTm76cZkb8
— Little Big Town (@littlebigtown) September 8, 2017
Sad day in country music. Don Williams and Troy gentry will be missed. In shock. Thoughts and prayers to the family of a hero and a buddy. 😔
— Justin Moore (@JustinColeMoore) September 8, 2017
Woke up hoping yesterday wasn’t true. So sad to hear about Troy Gentry and Don Williams. Thoughts and prayers to both families.
— Eric Paslay (@ericpaslay) September 9, 2017
Under the moonlight in Taylor, Mi. w/ a heavy heart.Dedicated our show to #TroyGentry & #DonWilliams-rest easy, brothers. #LostLegends pic.twitter.com/onETFXb2NP
— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) September 9, 2017
Sad day in country music. I played Don Williams all the way home from NYC. He was grand. Rest peacefully stud. You’ll be missed.-T
— Toby Keith (@TobyKeithMusic) September 9, 2017
RIP Don Williams. 100% class and spirit. Said so much with so little. He was and will always be a blessing in country music.
— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) September 9, 2017
My heart is broken! Troy Gentry was a dear friend! My love and sympathy to Angie and his family at this tragic time. pic.twitter.com/JZOTsYlme6
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) September 8, 2017
I’m speechless. Pray with me for the family of Don Williams & especially the family of Troy Gentry. It’s a heavy day for country music.🙏🏼✝️
— Josh Turner (@joshturnermusic) September 8, 2017
My heart breaks for the family and friends of Troy Gentry. I had the pleasure of playing shows with him and he was always so kind 💔
— Jana Kramer (@kramergirl) September 8, 2017
The world changed today. Country music lost both a Friend and a Hero. Troy Gentry and Don Williams, you both will be dearly missed..
— Lee Brice (@leebrice) September 8, 2017
Just heard about Troy Gentry… I literally have no words. Have known him for years and played so many shows with him and Eddie… #prayers
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) September 8, 2017
No! Not Don Williams & Troy Gentry. My thoughts & prayers go out to their families. Thank u for the amazing music & for inspiring us all.
— Jerrod Niemann (@jrodfromoz) September 8, 2017
Sad day for country music. Troy Gentry and Don Williams have passed and that makes my heart hurt. Don was my hero and Troy was my friend
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) September 8, 2017
God bless you Troy Gentry. Heartbroken and in disbelief.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) September 8, 2017
My prayers are with all the Gentry family today. Go rest high, T Roy. – KU pic.twitter.com/74JmmivDAq
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) September 9, 2017
My heart is broken. Don Williams and Troy Gentry 💔I don’t believe it.
— Cam (@camcountry) September 8, 2017
Rest In Peace Don Williams and Troy Gentry. My thoughts and prayers are with your families. Sad sad day for country music.
— Brandy Clark (@TheBrandyClark) September 8, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Don Williams and Troy Gentry. What a tough day for country music… 💔
— Maddie & Tae (@MaddieandTae) September 8, 2017