In 2026 so far, the country music world has mourned some heavy losses.
We’ve said goodbye to behind-the-scenes session players and songwriters, plus the longtime publicist of one of the biggest stars in the genre. We’ve also grieved the deaths of some legendary actors whose impact spanned into country fans’ lives.
What Country Singers + Other Notable Figures Have Died in 2026?
The first true loss within the country industry occurred on Jan. 6 with the death of songwriter Jim McBride, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer who was renowned for his work with Alan Jackson.
Read More: Famed Country Songwriter Jim McBride Dead at 78
Since then, we’ve bid farewell to Pete Finney and Jerry Kennedy, two session players whose work was integral to some of the most recognizable songs in the country genre.
Jo Dee Messina announced the death of her father Vincent in late January, and the same month, Garth Brooks shared a remembrance of his longtime publicist Nancy Seltzer.
Other notable deaths from outside the genre hit country fans, too. We said goodbye to Gunsmoke star Roger Ewing and mourned the loss of legendary actors Catherine O’Hara and Robert Duvall.
And music fans of all stripes came together to mourn the loss of Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir, who died on Jan. 10. Weir’s storied career spanned genres and touched hearts all around the world, including those of country stars.
Read More: Wyonna Judd Reveals the Incredible Thing Bob Weir Did After Naomi Judd Died
Keep scrolling for a look back at the artists we’ve lost so far in 2026. Taste of Country will continue to update this list to pay tribute to each artist who dies throughout the year.
Remembering the Country Stars Who Died in 2026
So far in 2026, country fans have mourned the deaths of a few of their favorite musicians and other large-looming figures of pop culture. Keep reading to remember the singers, musicians, actors and other notable figures we’ve lost so far this year.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source tasteofcountry.com ’
