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In 2026 so far, the country music world has mourned some heavy losses.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0Alan Jackson<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read More: Famed Country Songwriter Jim McBride Dead at 78<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Jo Dee Messina<\/a> announced the death of her father Vincent in late January, and the same month, Garth Brooks<\/a>\u00a0shared a remembrance of his longtime publicist Nancy Seltzer.<\/p>\n Other notable deaths from outside the genre hit country fans, too. We said goodbye to\u00a0Gunsmoke star Roger Ewing and mourned the loss of legendary actors Catherine O’Hara and Robert Duvall.<\/p>\n And music fans of all stripes came together to mourn the loss of Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir, who died<\/a> on Jan. 10. Weir’s storied career spanned genres and touched hearts all around the world, including those of country stars.<\/p>\n Read More: Wyonna Judd Reveals the Incredible Thing Bob Weir Did After Naomi Judd Died<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRemembering the Country Stars Who Died in 2026<\/h2>\n