Country Music Star Joe Diffie Dead At 61 From Coronavirus Complications

Longtime country music singer Joe Diffie has passed away due to complications related to the novel coronavirus.

The Grammy-winning country music star, who was best known for his hit song John Deere Green, died from health complications related to coronavirus on Sunday morning, according to his representatives. He was 61 years old.

The singer had just announced his positive diagnosis for coronavirus two days ago on Friday, when he posted a message to Facebook asking for privacy during the time while he was being treated. In the message posted to his fan page, the longtime country crooner wrote (below):

“I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment after testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic.”

Now, just 48 hours after sharing that message, he has passed away. Ugh. So, so awful.

For those unfamiliar with country music, Diffie was a mainstay on the Billboard charts throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, with five song that peaked at number one. Those songs included Home, If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets), Third Rock from the Sun, Bigger Than The Beatles, and Pickup Man.

Ironically, though, he may be best known for a particularly catchy song of his that didn’t peak at #1 — John Deere Green, which only got to #5 on the charts after appearing on his third album, Honky Tonk Attitude. There was something about that song even without the top spot, though, as the record went platinum because of its success. In all, he produced 12 studio albums over the course of his career, and his collaboration track Same Old Train won him a Grammy award back in 1998. Quite the prolific and successful career, all things considered.

Diffie, who had been married at least three times in his life, now leaves behind his wife Tara Terpening Diffie (pictured alongside Joe, above), and their daughter, according to TMZ.

Our hearts go out to Diffie’s family, friends, music biz associates, and everybody close to him suffering through his sudden, shocking death right now. So, so sad.

Rest in peace…

[Image via Judy Eddy/WENN]