Grammy-winning singer and Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie died on Sunday, March 29 due to complications of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). He was 61 years old.
Survived by his wife and five children, Diffie was a longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry and was best known for songs such as “John Deere Green,” “Pickup Man” and “Third Rock from the Sun.” Throughout his career, Diffie released 13 albums and earned over 20 Top 10 hits at country radio. Diffie was a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 25 years.
The singer, who rose to fame in the 1990s, greatly impacted the country music community and influenced the careers of many of today’s top country stars. As the news of his passing spread, artists such as Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Cole Swindell, Travis Tritt and fellow Oklahoma natives Toby Keith and Carrie Underwood took to social media to pay tribute to Diffie.
See what they had to say below.
We are feeling it now. Oklahoma boy Joe Diffie has passed away from this virus. My kids grew up around his parents. My prayers will be with his family. A great traditional voice will live on cuz I’m putting his music on now. Here’s a beer to ya, Joe. Go get your reward. -T
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) March 29, 2020
Absolutely no words for the loss of Joe Diffie. The music and legacy he leaves behind are legendary. Prayers for his family and friends. 💔
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) March 29, 2020
So sad to hear of the passing of @JoeDiffieOnline To his family, friends, road crew, band, etc, Thoughts and prayers being sent your way. Thanks for inspiring guys like me to follow in your footsteps Joe. RIP Pickup Man.
— Justin Moore (@JustinColeMoore) March 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/SeanStemaly/status/1244358166642647042
Joe diffie passed away due to the corona virus… rest in piece @JoeDiffieOnline country music has lost a legend. #lordiwannagotoheaven #butidontwannagotonight
— WilliamMichaelMorgan (@wmmorgan) March 29, 2020
Here’s to you Pickup Man. You inspired an entire generation of country singers and accepted us all with kindness, gratitude and buckets of talent. 🙏🏼 #joediffie
— Granger Smith (@GrangerSmith) March 29, 2020
I don’t know what to say. I am playing your songs loud and shedding a tear. Thank you for being a great friend and mentor. They say “don’t meet your hero’s” @JoeDiffieOnline that wasn’t the case with you.
Rest easy my brother. Love ya.— Michael Ray (@Michaelraymusic) March 29, 2020
The first guitar pull we ever played @JoeDiffieOnline was the host. At the end all the artists sang “John Deere Green” together with him leading the way. That night is one of my favorite music moments in the journey and something I’ll never forget. Rest In Peace Joe Diffie.
— A Thousand Horses (@athousandhorses) March 29, 2020
@JoeDiffieOnline has passed away. What a huge loss to anyone who likes actual country music. He was one of the best ever! Take this Coronavirus seriously. Go home and stop the spread! Love and peace to his family today.
— Randy Houser (@RandyHouser) March 29, 2020
Pickup Man, John Deere Green, Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox, 3rd Rock From The Sun, So Help Me Girl, Bigger Than The Beatles, Ships That Don’t Come In….and so many others.@JoeDiffieOnline thank you for coloring my 90s in a beautiful shade of John Deere Green.💔
— Kelleigh Bannen (@kelleighbannen) March 29, 2020
Man RIP Joe Diffie. A staple for so much about what I love in country music. This shit is real y’all. Please stay home and stay safe.
— Travis Denning (@Travis_Denning) March 29, 2020
SO. HARD. TO. BELIEVE. RIP, @JoeDiffieOnline #ShipsThatDontComeIn
— JIMMY WAYNE (@JimmyWayne) March 29, 2020
Joe Diffie, man. Thanks for all the absolute bangers that made me love country music as a kid. RIP Pickup Man.
— Adam Hambrick (@adamhambrick) March 29, 2020
Anybody out there not taking this shit serious we just lost @JoeDiffieOnline to Covid and it breaks my heart and infuriates me that some of you don’t take it serious. Wake the hell up
— Kendell Marvel (@kendellmarvel) March 29, 2020
@JoeDiffieOnline was one of the nicest stars on the planet. The REAL deal. I’m incredibly sorry for his family. Thanks for the great memories Joe, miss you. @opry family member. #pickupman
— Chris Janson (@janson_chris) March 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/MorganWallen/status/1244354363017105416
Just got word that Joe Diffie has passed away.
Sincere condolences to his family
It’s such a shock and such a loss for Country Music
Rest In Peace Joe— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) March 29, 2020
2020… damn. RIP Pickup Man. So sad. We lost Joe Diffie
— Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) March 29, 2020
I just learned that @JoeDiffieOnline has passed away due to complications from the Coronavirus. Joe was a friend and touring partner with me in the 90’s. This comes as a huge shock to all of us in the country music community. Deepest condolences to Joe’s family, friends and fans.
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 29, 2020
