Country music legend Joe Ely died recently.
Ely, who rose up out of Texas to become a beloved musician, was 78.
Ely died from complications from Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia, according to a post on his Facebook. His fans were quick to respond with love and prayer for Ely and his family.
“Thank you, Joe Ely,” Matt Skinner wrote. “Thank you for the music, the inspiration. Thank you for sharing the magic that has filled me, and all of us, with wanderlust and desire to see (and embrace) what’s just over the edge of the map.”
“So sorry to see this,” Samantha Smith replied. “He will be forever remembered for the great gift he shared with us. Thanks for all the great times and great tunes, Joe. May you rest in peace.”
“Another dose of sad news for the fans of Americana music,” Kurt Weitendorf wrote. “I had the good fortune to see Joe as part of “The Songwriters Tour” along with John Hiatt, Lyle Lovett and the late Guy Clark. One of the best music experiences ever. RIP Joe.”
There were plenty more responses like that and you can see them here.
Ely announced that he was battling Lewy Body and Parkinson’s in a statement posted on his Facebook page back in September.
“Together with his wife Sharon, Joe is sharing their journey — not to dwell in hardship, but to bring understanding, awareness, and hope through the healing power of music,” the statement read.
The statement noted that Ely and his wife planned to release some of his recordings that they had recently found.
“Our story is about how music continues to lift us up,” she said in the statement. “Revisiting Joe’s recordings and hearing them brought to life again has given him so much joy, and we want others to feel that same joy too.”
Ely died with Sharon and his daughter, Marie, at his side in his home in Taos, New Mexico, according to the statement on his Facebook Monday.
While Ely was a beloved country musician, Variety noted that his skills also earned him a spot working with some big-time rock acts, including working as a supporting act for the likes of the Rolling Stones, the Clash, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Stevie Nicks and more.
A native of Amarillo, Texas, Ely began his career in 1970 and was active through this year despite his health issues.