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Ree Drummond Mourns The Loss of Her Brother Who Appeared on "The Pioneer Woman"

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Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, shared a heartbreaking post this morning, telling readers and friends her brother Michael Smith had passed away this weekend. Described by Ree as "her best buddy" Michael Smith was once a guest on the Food Network show and Ree said it was her favorite episode for "obvious reasons". He also supported his sister by attending book signings and other events.

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Ree Drummond shared a few photos this morning of her brother Michael and her as kids along with the caption:

It isn't possible to sum up the life of someone as perfectly wonderful as my brother Michael, so right now I won't try. He was seventeen months older than me, my first friend and buddy, and I'm so grateful for over 50 years of photos and memories. Please pray for my parents, whose devotion to Mike was boundless, and who will feel this loss most acutely. Michael Smith, you were everything.

The City of Bartlesville, Oklahoma Mourns Local Legend

According to Daisy Creager of the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, Michael "Mikey" Smith was a staple in the Bartlesville, especially to first responders who he took a special interest in their work and called frequently to check up on them. The Bartlesville Professional Firefighters Union shared a photo of Michael during the last time he cooked for the station.

Ree's sister Betsy Smith also shared the news on her Instagram, sharing a photo of the two of them sitting underneath a tree.

We lost Michael, my sweet and wonderful brother, this last weekend. He was one of a kind, and he will be missed by so many people who loved him. I'm very thankful for his life, the connections he made and his caring, fun and independent spirit. Love you forever, Mikey.

Known as a friend to everyone he met, Michael will be missed by all, including the first responders who spoke to him almost daily to say hello or to wish them a good night. As one neighbor shared on Facebook, Bartlesville won't be the same without him.