Mel Tillis was one of the most influential and successful country music artists of his generation. He was known for his distinctive stutter, which did not affect his singing voice, and his prolific songwriting, which earned him dozens of hits and awards. He was also a beloved entertainer, who appeared in movies, TV shows, and comedy sketches. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the National Medal of Arts in 2012.
But how did Mel Tillis die? What was the cause of his death? Here is what we know about his final years and his legacy.
Health Issues and Hospitalization
According to Rolling Stone, Mel Tillis had been battling intestinal issues since early 2016 and never fully recovered. He had undergone colon surgery in January 2016 and was hospitalized several times afterwards. He also suffered from respiratory problems, which worsened over time.
In November 2017, he was admitted to Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida, where he lived. His publicist, Don Murry Grubbs, confirmed that he died on November 19, 2017, at the age of 85. The suspected cause of death was respiratory failure.
Tributes and Reactions
The news of Mel Tillis’ death shocked and saddened the country music community and his fans around the world. Many of his fellow artists and friends paid tribute to him on social media and in interviews.
His daughter, Pam Tillis, who is also a country singer, posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, saying that her father was “a master songwriter, brilliant comedian and beloved father”. She also thanked everyone for their prayers and support.
Dolly Parton, who recorded several duets with Mel Tillis, tweeted that she was “so sad” to hear of his passing and called him “one of my all-time favorites”. She also praised his talent and humor.
Blake Shelton, who considered Mel Tillis as one of his mentors, wrote on Twitter that he was “one of the greatest guys I’ve ever known”. He also shared a video of him performing with Mel Tillis on stage.
Other country stars who expressed their condolences and admiration for Mel Tillis included Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Charlie Daniels, Crystal Gayle, Travis Tritt, and many more.
