Country singer Mickey Gilley, a style superstar in the ’70s and ’80s, died Saturday at the age of 86.
It was the mayor of the city of Pasadena, Texas, where the singer ended his days, who announced the news in a touching tribute. “Pasadena has lost a true legend. Mickey Gilley passed away surrounded by his loved ones today. It has been a great honor for me to have known this man for most of my life,” Jeff Wagner told TMZ.
“Mickey was a true musical talent, achieving 42 top 40 singles on the country charts over a period of two decades. His talent and larger-than-life personality helped spark a renewed interest in country music as he introduced Pasadena to the world through his dance hall and Urban Cowboy in 1980,” he said.
Mickey Gilley’s death comes days after several of his tour dates were canceled due to ill health. “For the past two weeks my energy levels and some health issues have kept me from being 100% at my shows. So I looked for doctors who could get me back on track. […] I hope to come back soon in good shape and health,” the singer said on his personal Facebook page on May 1.
A great loss for the country world, several American country song greats wanted to pay tribute to him on social media.
“Mickey was one of the greatest entertainers of all time, a true legend and a great friend,” wrote country singer Gene Watson on Facebook.
“I’ve enjoyed backing vocals on Mickey Gilley records with the amazing Eddie Kilroy as producer. One of the first big gigs I played was Gilley’s in Pasadena, Texas. […] The image and memory of Mickey will live forever,” testified singer Janie Fricke.
The singer’s cause of death is not yet known.