Country singer John Anderson has died aged 71, his family has announced. The Country Music Hall of Famer was known for songs including “Swingin’” and “Straight Tequila Night”.
His death was confirmed in a statement shared on his official social media accounts by his family.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend,” they wrote.
The statement added: “To the world, he was a gifted country music singer whose voice and songs touched countless lives. To us, he was so much more. He was the heart of our family, the one who made us laugh, loved us fiercely, and made every ordinary moment feel special.”
His family said they were “completely heartbroken”, adding that his greatest legacy would be the love he gave them and the memories they shared.
Anderson was a major force in country music for decades, with other hits including “Seminole Wind”, “Money in the Bank” and “Wild and Blue”.
His accolades included the CMA Horizon Award and the CMA Single of the Year award for “Swingin’”. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
Anderson also performed alongside country music figures including Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and George Jones.
