For decades, George Strait has reigned as a titan in country music, captivating audiences with his timeless hits and enduring presence. While fans often wonder about the King of Country’s age and incredible career longevity, recent news brings a somber note to the music world. George Strait is currently mourning the passing of two invaluable members of his extended music family, marking a deeply emotional time for the legendary artist and his band.
Earlier this week, Strait took to social media to share the heartbreaking news of the death of his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey. Woolsey, who passed away on Wednesday, March 20th, was not just a colleague but a cherished friend of Strait’s for over 45 years. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Strait expressed the profound loss, stating, “Erv Woolsey passed away this morning. He had complications from a surgery and just couldn’t overcome it. He was a very tough man, and fought hard, but sadly it was just too much. We will miss him so very much and will never forget all the time we had together. Won’t ever be the same without him.” The country music icon shared this message alongside a photograph capturing the camaraderie and long-lasting bond between him and Woolsey.
Tragically, the sorrow didn’t end there. Just a day later, Strait returned to social media to announce the passing of another beloved member of his musical family, Gene Elders. Elders, a talented fiddler and mandolinist who enriched Strait’s band with his musicality for many years, passed away shortly after Woolsey. Strait’s announcement conveyed the shock and grief of losing two close companions in such quick succession. “Hard to believe we lost two of our music family members on the same day,” Strait wrote. “All of our prayers go out to both families. Me and the band won’t ever be the same without our brother Gene. We loved him so much. Go play with Mike again Geno. We’ll come join you guys later.” The mention of Mike Kennedy, Strait’s drummer who tragically died in a car accident in 2018, further underscores the deep sense of loss and the close-knit nature of Strait’s musical ensemble.
The passing of Erv Woolsey and Gene Elders represents a significant loss for George Strait and the entire country music community. Woolsey’s decades of management and friendship, coupled with Elders’ musical contributions, have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Strait’s career and personal life. As fans and fellow artists offer their condolences, the focus shifts from celebrating Strait’s remarkable age and ongoing success to honoring the memories of these two integral figures in his journey. The King of Country, while continuing his legacy, now navigates a path forward with a profound sense of grief and remembrance for his departed friends and colleagues.
