“Mel Tillis spent a lifetime giving us joy and laughter and music, which is why his death brings such sadness,” said Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young in a statement. “Had he never stepped on a stage, he would still have been one of the funniest and most genuine people on the planet. But his whimsy and warmth were only a part of his appeal. He wrote some of country music’s most compelling and consequential songs, he fronted a remarkable band, and he sang with power and emotion. He also shone as an inspiration, revealing what others called an impediment as a vehicle for humor and hope.”
Some of my most cherished memories are the times I spent with Mel Tillis. Many many great memories. From fishing, to just having a beer, to him crashing my concert!
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) November 19, 2017
"Mel Tillis" was one of the funniest, most talented men, I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He used his stutter to his advantage and it was brilliant.
— Chuck Woolery (@chuckwoolery) November 19, 2017
Sure sorry to hear about Mel Tillis passing. Prayers to the Tillis family and extended family the Statesiders!!!
What a Man!!!!!— Neal McCoy (@NealMcCoy) November 19, 2017
Mel Tillis, the great country star who wrote hits for Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs and many others, and overcame a stutter to release over 60 of his own albums, has died. He was 85.
He's a Grand Ole Opry member, and received the National Medal of Arts in 2012. pic.twitter.com/xftdRLXSJl— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) November 19, 2017
Mel Tillis was a special friend, great artist, and constant inspiration to me—Heaven’s choir just got sweeter.
— Randy Travis (@randytravis) November 19, 2017
Now here is a throwback moment… opening for Mel Tillis …. as we did many times in the early days… RIP Mel… pic.twitter.com/ukmMlT9ItF
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) November 19, 2017
Tillis is survived by his longtime partner Kathy DeMonaco, his children, Pam, Carrie April, Cindy, Mel Jr. (nicknamed “Sonny”), Connie and Hannah; brother Richard; sister Linda Crosby; and six grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Funeral arrangements are unavailable at this time. Memorials will be held in Florida and Nashville.
(Source: The Tennessean)