Country Singer Earl Thomas Conley Dies at 77

Country music star and “The Voice” coach Blake Shelton was the first person who announced Earl Thomas Conley’s passing on social media with a touching message.

In his tweet, Blake admitted that his heart was “absolutely destroyed” and that he was sad to report Earl’s passing. He died “very early this morning,” added Blake.

“Earl was my all time favorite singer, hero and my friend. Prayers to his family. We will all miss you deeply my brother. Now go rest,” finished “The Voice” coach.

Blake was not the only person who mourned Earl’s death. Country music star Toby Keith also took to Twitter to honor the man saying that he was a “huge influence” on his career.

Singer-songwriter Stella Parton, the sister of Dolly Parton, also admitted to being sad about Earl’s passing. “He gave us so much incredible music, one of the greatest men in country music. Rest In Peace my friend,” added Parton

Earl best known for his hit songs “Holding Her and Loving You," "What I'd Say" and "Right From the Start,” suffered a condition very similar to dementia, reported his brother Fred. The singer had been living in hospice care for several months before his passing.

Throughout his career, he positioned more than 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. 18 of them reached Number One.