Country Community Reacts To The Death Of Joe Diffie
By Katrina Nattress
March 29, 2020
On Sunday (March 29), news broke that Joe Diffie had passed away from COVID-19 complications just two days after revealing he had tested positive for the disease. The country legend was 61 years old.
As the heartbreaking news circulates, the country community has reacted with shock, mourning, and touching tributes to the singer-songwriter. "I’m so sad to learn that Joe Diffie has passed away due to complications from the Coronavirus," Travis Tritt wrote on social media. "Joe was a good friend and touring partner with me in the 90’s. We had a lot of great times together, both onstage and offstage. This comes as a huge shock to all of us in the country music community who loved Joe and his talent. Deepest condolences to Joe’s family, friends and fans."
"Oh my God. One of the all-time GREAT vocalists. Joe Diffie was my friend. RIP, buddy," Trace Adkins tweeted.
"Consistently one of the kindest artists to run into. This is really, really heavy. Thinking of his beautiful wife and family," Kelsea Ballerini mournfully wrote on Twitter.
"2020... damn. RIP Pickup Man. So sad. We lost Joe Diffie" Cole Swindell said.
See more of the country community's reactions to Duffie's death below.
I’m so sad to learn that Joe Diffie has passed away due to complications from the Coronavirus. Joe was a good friend and touring partner with me in the 90’s. We had a lot of great times together, both onstage and… https://t.co/qtDXX4oXao
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 29, 2020
“Even though I’ve been doing this for a long time, it’s like I want to pinch myself still. It’s an awful neat deal to be able to live out your dream.” - Joe Diffie
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) March 29, 2020
Joe, thank you for all of the music and light you've given us. Thank you for letting us be part of your dream. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QY0wzZAm08
Here’s to you Pickup Man. You inspired an entire generation of country singers and accepted us all with kindness, gratitude and buckets of talent. 🙏🏼 #joediffie
— Granger Smith (@GrangerSmith) March 29, 2020
I knew this was bound to hit close to home. Today it did. I just heard the news of Joe Diffie’s passing. I am sick in my spirit because I can’t bear the thought of not hearing that voice for a while. He was a dear friend& understood me and my convictions. Full post on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/WgV52wEMkZ
— Darryl Worley (@darrylworley) March 29, 2020
Oh my God. One of the all-time GREAT vocalists. Joe Diffie was my friend. RIP, buddy. @JoeDiffieOnline pic.twitter.com/snWhL5fcLo
— Trace Adkins (@TraceAdkins) March 29, 2020
I am deeply saddened at the news of Joe Diffie’s death. He and I were label mates on SONY Epic Records for many years... I am honored & humbled, to have known him. May God bless and comfort Joe’s family and welcome him into Eternity. We’ll miss you, Brother. -Collin pic.twitter.com/9FvDNOW4IF
— Collin Raye (@CollinRaye) March 29, 2020
2020... damn. RIP Pickup Man. So sad. We lost Joe Diffie
— Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) March 29, 2020
Rest In Peace Joe Diffie! You were one of the most iconic and distinct voices on country radio. You will be missed by so many. pic.twitter.com/gRRpLxhSWD
— Eli Young Band (@EliYoungBand) March 29, 2020
Consistently one of the kindest artists to run into. This is really, really heavy. Thinking of his beautiful wife and family. 💔 https://t.co/0hzzXAtrMG
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) March 29, 2020
What a loss. A true legend! RIP Joe Diffie. pic.twitter.com/JSibqvckxY
— Walker Montgomery (@WalkMontgomery) March 29, 2020
RIP to the great Joe Diffie . We became buds over the last couple of years . It’s always great getting to know the people you were a fan of as a kid. That was absolutely the case w JD. Joe died of Coronavirus complications pic.twitter.com/uBZ0hw9kYQ
— Bobby Bones (@mrBobbyBones) March 29, 2020
Just found out the very sad news about my buddy #JoeDiffie passing away from complications of COVID-19.
— John Michael Montgomery (@JM2Squared) March 29, 2020
This is so heartbreaking, I just don’t even know what to say. GOD BLESS his family and loved ones. A sad, sad day for country music. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/ausMDxzd8F
Just got word that Joe Diffie has passed away.
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) March 29, 2020
Sincere condolences to his family
It’s such a shock and such a loss for Country Music
Rest In Peace Joe
Joe Diffie man.... Our love for mullets made me feel connected to you in a special way. Rest easy brother
— morgan wallen (@MorganWallen) March 29, 2020
I loved Joe... His music, his spirit, and his love for music... One of the most influential vocalist of our time in country music. So many great songs... However "Ships That Don't Come In" always gets me @JoeDiffieOnline pic.twitter.com/pX1UNTVcA6
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) March 29, 2020
Absolutely no words for the loss of Joe Diffie. The music and legacy he leaves behind are legendary. Prayers for his family and friends. 💔
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) March 29, 2020
We’ve lost one of our own now to this silent enemy. That really hit home to me. I worked with Joe in the past. Great guy and hugely talented singer and entertainer. Let’s pray for his family and for all those who are affected by this terrible virus. We are going to win.
— George Strait (@GeorgeStrait) March 30, 2020
Photo: Getty Images