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Published : 30 Apr 2026, 08:25 PM
Country music artist David Allan Coe has passed away at the age of 86.
Fox News reported that his wife Kimberly confirmed the news to Rolling Stone on Wednesday.
“One of the best singers, songwriters, and performers of our time [and] never to be forgotten,” she was quoted as saying by Fox News.
“My husband, my friend, my confidant and my life for many years. I'll never forget him and I don’t want anyone else to ever forget him either.”
According to Fox News, a representative told The Music Universe that the singer died in intensive care around 5pm EST. “David is a musical treasure,” the representative was quoted as saying, adding that Coe “appreciated all of the fans.”
The cause of death was not immediately known.
Born on Sept 6, 1939, in Akron, Ohio, Coe experienced a difficult early life and spent time in correctional facilities, as noted in his website biography.
He relocated to Nashville after being released and pursued a music career, shortly after releasing his first album, “Penitentiary Blues” in 1970.
Fox News reports that he later wrote songs for other performers, including Tanya Tucker’s No. 1 track “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)” in 1973.
He also achieved solo recognition with a top 10 hit, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” in 1975.
Coe continued releasing albums such as “Nothing Sacred” in 1978 and “Underground Album” in 1982, and gained more success during the 1980s with songs like “The Ride” and “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”.
Coe also worked on “Rebel Meets Rebel”, a collaboration with members of the heavy metal band Pantera, blending country with metal.
Often called the “outlaw’s outlaw”, according to Fox News, the country music star stirred controversy due to lyrics referencing drug use and explicit themes.
Rolling Stone noted that he faced financial difficulties in the mid-2010s and pleaded guilty in 2015 to tax-related charges, receiving three years of probation and being ordered to pay nearly $1 million in back taxes.
He also struggled with several health problems in recent years, including COVID-19 in 2021, according to Whiskey Riff.
