JOE DIFFIE, 1958-2020

Joe Diffie, who had more than 20 top 10 country hits in the 1990s, died today from complications related to the coronavirus. He was 61.

Diffie became the first country star to publicly announce he was suffering from coronavirus, stating on Friday: “I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment. My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic.”

After breaking into Nashville as a songwriter, Diffie signed with Epic in 1990. His debut album, A Thousand Winding Roads, included his first #1, “Home,” plus another chart-topper, "If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)."

He released seven albums for Epic in the 1990s including back-to-back releases that went platinum, Honky Tonk Attitude and Third Rock From the Sun.

He moved to Monument Records for 2001’s In Another World, the title track of which was his last single to hit the Top 10. Diffie signed with Broken Bow in 2003 and released Tougher Than Nails.

Diffie's 16 Biggest Hits album is currently #1 at iTunes, while three songs have entered the Top 10 on the songs chart.