Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, & More Remember John Anderson In Emotional Tributes Following His Death
“This one really hurts,” Shelton admits.
John Anderson, Tim McGraw; Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Blake Shelton, John Anderson; Photo Courtesy Blake Shelton
The country music community is mourning the sudden loss of Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson, who passed away at age 71.
As news of the singer-songwriter’s death broke late Wednesday, artists took to social media to share heartfelt tributes and express their shock over the loss of the country music legend.
Tim McGraw and Blake Shelton were among those left heartbroken by Anderson’s passing. Both artists had seen him just three days earlier at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Medallion Ceremony. McGraw was inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of this year’s class, while Shelton attended to honor fellow inductee Paul Overstreet.
Within hours of the news, both artists shared emotional tributes to Anderson on social media, reflecting on their final moments with him and the lasting impact he had on their lives.
McGraw recalled spending time with Anderson at Sunday’s ceremony, where they talked, laughed and sang together.
“I was talking with John Sunday night at the HOF ceremony. He was in such good spirits. We talked, we laughed, we sang his songs that I loved so much together, just goofing off. I am completely heartbroken by his passing,” McGraw shared. “There will never be a stylist in music, any music, that was so defining as his. It’s just devastating. All of our love goes out to his family and the country music community. He was and is one of the defining voices in country music. So great. I am completely shook.”
Shelton also struggled to put into words what Anderson meant to him, describing the late singer as both a personal hero and a dear friend.
“I am sick and I am stunned. But I am a very lucky man. I got the opportunity to find out that my hero wasn’t just the guy I hoped he’d be. He was so much more than that. John was my friend,” Shelton wrote. “I got to see him last Sunday and I don’t even know why but I told him I loved him. That is what fills my heart in this moment. My love and prayers go out to John’s family. This one really hurts.”
Other artists such as Riley Green, Chris Janson, and John Rich also paid tribute to the late singer/songwriter.
John Anderson, it was an honor to play music with you…appreciate all you did for country music. – Riley Green
I’ve just learned that my favorite country artist of all time, and a man I called “Uncle John” for the past 20 years has passed away. The great and unmatched John Anderson…He loved Jesus, and his family and his country. He was a massive influence on me in more ways that I can count. I love you, Uncle John. – John Rich
John Anderson was a hunting buddy, fishing buddy, mentor, friend, brother, and fellow Bass Pro Man. Truly a GREAT guy, and a real outlaw. The first picture here on the plane we had just left a great fishing trip in Islamorada, and John was telling me stories about Mack Vickery and Merle Kilgore. It was awesome. He was The realest of the real. Rest easy my friend, and thank you for all the Happy Times and days in the field. Absolutely NOBODY, will ever fill John’s shoes. Me, Kelly, JJ, Georgia and the rest of our family love you dearly, John. Keep on Swingin, and i’m Glad that Jesus gets to welcome The Black Sheep of The Family. – Chris Janson
Our hearts are heavy over the loss of our friend @johnanderson. There was only one John—an unmistakable voice, a true country music original, and someone we were proud to call a friend. We’ll always treasure our time on the Friends and Heroes Tour with John, Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins. Recording “No Country Music for Old Men” with John meant so much to us, and those words hit a little harder today. John also sang at David’s Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, giving our family another memory we’ll hold close forever. We’re grateful for the music, the friendship and the years we shared. Sending our love and prayers to his family and everyone who loved him. Rest easy, John. We’ll miss you, brother. – The Bellamy Brothers
John Anderson was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. He is known for his distinctive voice and songs like “Swingin’”, “Seminole Wind,” “Straight Tequila Night,” and more.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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