Outlaw country music legend David Allan Coe has died at the age of 86.
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Coe's widow, Kimberly, confirmed the news to Rolling Stone, revealing that he died in an intensive care unit around 5 PM local time on Wednesday.
Officials have not yet confirmed a cause of death, with further details expected in the coming days.
David Allan Coe Dies Aged 86
Coe built a reputation for his confrontational image and songs such as "You Never Even Called Me by My Name" and "The Ride".
"One of the best singers, songwriters, and performers of our time [and] never to be forgotten," Kimberly told Rolling Stone.
"My husband, my friend, my confidant and my life for many years. I'll never forget him and I don't want anyone else to ever forget him either."
Over the past decade, Coe faced several health challenges.
In 2013, he survived a serious crash in Florida after running a red light at 1:30 AM, when a semi-truck struck his Suburban.
Rescue crews spent nearly two hours cutting him free from the wreckage. He suffered broken ribs, bruised kidneys, and required 48 stitches to his head.
In 2021, Coe spent a month in hospital after testing positive for COVID.
Outlaw Country Pioneer Leaves Lasting Legacy
Born in 1939 in Akron, Coe spent much of his early life in reform schools and prisons.
He later turned to music, building a following while busking in Nashville before emerging as a key figure in the 1970s outlaw country movement.
His songwriting also left a major mark on the genre.
Tanya Tucker recorded "Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)," while Johnny Paycheck recorded "Take This Job and Shove It," with both songs reaching number-one status.
Across his career, Coe released 42 studio albums and more than 50 singles.
He launched his career in 1970 with SSS International Records before signing with Columbia Records, where he remained for 15 years.
During the 1990s, he released music through several independent labels, including his own DAC Records.
His debut album Penitentiary Blues arrived in 1970, reportedly written during his time in prison.
In August 2002, Coe released Sings Merle Haggard, featuring renditions of Merle Haggard's biggest hits. The project marked his final individual studio album.
He later released Rebel Meets Rebel in 2006, a collaboration with Pantera members, along with several live and compilation albums.
