Remembering The Country Artists And Their Loved Ones We Lost In 2025

The country music community mourned losses of legendary artists, songwriters and their loved ones in 2025. Scroll below to remember those we lost this year.

Buck White

Legendary country artist and Grand Ole Opry member Buck White died in January 2025. He was 94. Fellow singer and musician Ricky Skaggs confirmed Buck’s death in a statement from his daughters, Sharon, Cheryl, Rosie and Melissa. They said, in part, that “we are so thankful for his 94 years on this earth. …He lived a full life and finished well.”

Carl Dean

Dolly Parton mourned the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who died in early March. He was 82. Parton met Dean, who was known for remaining out of the public eye, on her first day living in Nashville. They’d been married for nearly 60 years. She said at the time: “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”

Jack Lilley

Jack Lilley, an actor whose decades-spanning career includes his role in Little House on the Prairie, died in March of this year. He was 91. The late actor’s family shared in a statement at the time, in part: “Jack went to be with his bride, Irene, tonight. He just couldn't bear another second without her. You left one heck of a mark on this world, Papa. Your laugh and spark in your eyes when you saw the ones you loved will stay with us forever.”

Randy White

Country star Lorrie Morgan mourned the loss of her husband, Randy White, who died in June after a battle with cancer. He was 72. Morgan remembered him as “my champion and my rock,” she wrote in a heartfelt tribute: “Randy has been my partner, my champion and my rock for 17 years. Our big, wonderful family and I are devastated at the loss of this truly kind and incredible man. I was blessed by his love. Ran-Ran, I will love and miss you forever.”

Jeannie Seely

Legendary singer-songwriter and Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely died in August after complications from an intestinal infection. She was 85. The Opry icon, who played the historic venue more than 5,000 times, was known as “Miss Country Soul” and hailed “a trailblazer, an icon, and the oldest actively working female entertainer in country music.”

Brandon Blackstock

Reba McEntire mourned the loss of her stepson, talent manager Brandon Blackstock, who died in August after a private battle with cancer. He was 48. McEntire said in a tribute at the time that “my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God. His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence. There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”

Walfredo de los Reyes Sr.

Zac Brown Band mourned the loss of Walfredo de los Reyes Sr., father of bandmate Danny de los Reyes. He was 92. Zac Brown Band shared in a tribute: “With heavy hearts, we share that Walfredo de los Reyes Sr., legendary percussionist and father of our brother Danny de los Reyes, has passed away at 92. His rhythm lives on through his family, including [Walfredo Reyes Jr.] and [Lilliana de los Reyes] and the countless musicians he inspired. We’re holding Danny and the entire Reyes family close in our hearts tonight. 💔”

Brett James

The country music community mourned the loss of Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, who died in a small plane crash in North Carolina with wife Melody Carole, 59, and stepdaughter Meryl Wilson, 28. He was 57. James wrote or co-wrote many of the biggest hits in modern country music, including “Jesus, Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood, “When the Sun Goes Down” by Kenny Chesney,” “I Hold On” by Dierks Bentley, “The Truth” by Jason Aldean, “Blessed” by Martina McBride, and many more. See the tributes to James here.

Isabelle Tate

Isabelle Tate, a rising actress who appeared in the new 9-1-1: Nashville series, died in October. She was 23. Tate’s obituary described her as a woman who “wanted to change the world,” and “loved volunteering her time to all things, particularly animals - her idea of a fun outing was visiting an animal shelter and doling out lots of love. …What she loved the most though was spending time with family and friends, always the life of the party. Her sister was her best friend and her mom was her shining beacon of light.”

Todd Snider

Todd Snider, an influential alt-country singer-songwriter, died of pneumonia last month. He was 59. Sheryl Crow, Margo Price, Maggie Rose, Amanda Shires, Ashley McBryde, Mary Chapin Carpenter and others mourned Snider’s loss in tributes and comments on social media. Snider “will always be a force of nature.”

Criscilla Anderson

Criscilla Anderson, star of Country Ever After and ex-wife of country artist Coffey Anderson, died after a years-long battle with cancer. She was 45. Criscilla wrote a message that her friend, a photographer named Lindsey, shared on her behalf after her death earlier this moth. Criscilla wrote, in part: “If you’re reading this, I’ve finally slipped into the arms of Jesus — peacefully and surrounded by love. Please don’t stay in the darkness of this moment. I fought hard and I loved deeply. I am not gone… I’m Home. …Be gentle with each other. Hold my children close. And remember: heaven isn’t as far away as it feels. I love you all. Always.”

Raul Malo

Raul Malo, frontman and founding member of The Mavericks, died earlier this month after a battle with cancer. He was 60. The Mavricks confirmed Malo’s loss “with the deepest grief,” and wrote in a statement, in part: “Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul’s orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy. …Raul’s spirit will live on forever in heaven, and here on earth through the music, joy, and light he brought forth.”

Joe Ely

Joe Ely, legendary singer-songwriter known for his trailblazing work in the genre in the 1970s, died earlier this month following “complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia.” He was 78. A statement posted on his Facebook page stated: “His beloved wife Sharon and daughter Marie were at his side at their home in Taos, New Mexico. Ely was born February 9, 1947 in Amarillo, Texas. He was a leader of the extraordinary parade of artists raised in Lubbock who later settled in the live music capital of Austin. Ely signed with MCA Records in the 1970s and spent more than five decades recording and performing around the world.”