Earl Thomas Conley, whose 18 country #1s include "Holding Her and Loving You," "What I'd Say" and "Right From the Start," died Wednesday in Nashville after several months in hospice care. He was 77.

His brother Fred Conley told USA Today that Earl had a condition similar to dementia, the cause of his death.

A major influence on many contemporary country singers, the Portsmouth, Ohio, native had his first hit in 1979 with "Dreamin's All I Do." His first Top 10 hit came in in 1981 with "Silent Treatment."

He signed with Sunbird Records, which RCA Nashville chief Joe Galante acquired to get Conley on RCA. RCA became his label home in the early 1980s and helped make him a household name through hits such as "I Can't Win for Losin' You," "Once in a Blue Moon" and "That Was a Close One."

His Greatest Hits was a #1 country album in 1986 and it shot into the Top 10 at iTunes today as word of his passing spread around. Almost all of his hits were released in the 1980s; his last Top 40 single was “Hard Days and Honky Tonk Nights” in 1992.

Conley released only two studio albums after his last full-length for RCA, 1991’s Yours Truly. He stopped touring about two years ago.

My heart is absolutely destroyed today... I’m sad to report that Earl Thomas Conley passed away very early this morning. Earl was my all time favorite singer, hero and my friend. Prayers to his family. We will all miss you deeply my brother. Now go rest... pic.twitter.com/W75ZVV6fbe
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) April 10, 2019

Sad to hear of the passing of Earl Thomas Conley. A beautiful and unique voice.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) April 10, 2019

So sad to hear #EarlThomasConley passed away today. He was a huge influence on my style and songwriting. I studied his records like text books and could play every note of every song. Truly one of the all time greats in country music. #RipEarlThomasConley https://t.co/IRwrhcPf2p
— John Rich (@johnrich) April 10, 2019

An all time great. Earl Thomas Conley passed away today. Huge influence on me. Loved him. Prayers to his family. -T
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) April 10, 2019

Earl Thomas Conley was the reason i became a country singer. Holding Her and Loving You. He was the most soulful singer country music has ever known. My thoughts are with his family,especially his children. Thank you Earl for blessing us all who love this wonderful music we live.
— Clay Walker (@ClayWalker) April 11, 2019

The world lost an icon today. Earl Thomas Conley was one of the best... Sending prayers to his family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/CYeYnvPDxj
— Doug Stone (@dougstonetour) April 10, 2019

Saddened by this news of the passing of Earl Thomas Conley. We played many shows together, had battles on the charts and were label mates at RCA. He surely made great records... and left them here for all to enjoy. Rest In Peace my old friend. pic.twitter.com/HvOApHo9KP
— Steve Wariner (@stevewariner) April 10, 2019

A great country singer passes today, Earl Thomas Conley rest in peace.
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) April 10, 2019

RIP Earl Thomas Conley... sad day for country music pic.twitter.com/bxgEIlbSJU
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) April 10, 2019

We’ve lost one of the great voices in Country music. My heart is with Earl Thomas Conley’s family.https://t.co/KYCbqx7Srf
— Tracy Lawrence (@tracy_lawrence) April 10, 2019