He passed away at the Munroe Regional Medical Center in Florida. The Country Music Hall of Famer battled intestinal issues since 2016, and he never fully recovered. The suspected cause of his death is respiratory failure.
Tillis was the father of six children, including country star Pam Tillis, and he had six grandchildren and one great grandson. The Tillis family will hold funeral services in both Florida and Nashville, and they ask fans for prayers during this difficult time.
Mel was born in Tampa, Florida on August 8, 1932. His career in the country genre spanned over six decades, and he was a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In February of 2012, President Obama awarded Tillis with the National Medal of Arts. In 2007, Tillis was inducted into the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Several of country music’s biggest stars reacted to the passing of Mel Tillis on social media. Grand Ole Opry star Crystal Gayle shared her condolences about the loss of Mel Tillis on Twitter. “I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, Mel Tillis,” she posted. “Sending my love and prayers to his family and friends. There will never be another Mel Tillis!”
“Mel Tillis, you will be missed by so many of us you touched over the years. Rest in peace my friend,” said fellow Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Daniels.
“What an incredible loss for the country music world. Mel Tillis will be greatly missed,” said Rascal Flatts, award-winning country group, via a tweet.
“What a truly devastating loss. I loved Mel. I will miss him terribly. My thoughts and prayers to all his family,” said Blake Shelton, who subsequently described him as a “talented songwriter” and an “incredible entertainer.”
