Celebrities react to Joe Diffie's passing

Joe Diffie, a mainstay on the country music charts in the '90s, passed away on March 29 from complications due to COVID-19. Two days prior to the death, Joe's family noted that he had tested positive for coronavirus. The death of the "John Deere Green" singer sent shockwaves through the country community. Click through to see how many of today's top stars are publicly honoring the star affectionately known as the "Pickup Man"…

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"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

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"We've lost one of our own now to this silent enemy. That really hit home to me. I worked with Joe in the past. Great guy and hugely talented singer and entertainer. Let's pray for his family and for all those who are affected by this terrible virus. We are going to win." –George Strait

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"Joe Diffie was always good to me when I was just getting started and I was in awe of him every time we did a show together. He was a true hero and he will be played LOUDLY at our home all today." —Blake Shelton

"Can't believe the news about Joe Diffie ……. my heart breaks for your family and friends – and fans …….count me right in there too – you were THE REAL DEAL JOE… -KU" —Keith Urban

"I loved Joe… His music, his spirit, and his love for music… One of the most influential vocalist of our time in country music. So many great songs… However 'Ships That Don't Come In' always gets me" –Tim McGraw

"Country music lost a legend today. Joe Diffie was one of the greats." —Luke Bryan

"I'm devastated by the loss of my friend @JoeDiffieOnline. I can't find adequate words. But the records he made, that voice, the twinkle in his eye, and our memories cannot be taken away by this disease. Please celebrate his music today everyone, go listen again to his records." –Brad Paisley

"Man what a week Kenny Rogers and now @officialjoediffie. This guy was an amazing singer and an even greater person. Such a sad week for the country music world. Joe was always so much fun to be around and I will never forget our Panama City show with @tylerfarr and @therealtracylawrence …We will miss u my friend. Thanks for teaching us how to 'Diffie'. #1994" —Jason Aldean

"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

"Just got word that Joe Diffie has passed away.Sincere condolences to his familyIt's such a shock and such a loss for Country MusicRest In Peace Joe" –Charlie Daniels

"RIP to the great Joe Diffie . We became buds over the last couple of years . It's always great getting to know the people you were a fan of as a kid. That was absolutely the case w JD. Joe died of Coronavirus complications" –Bobby Bones

"Joe was a real true honky tonk hero to every country artist alive today. No one sang our music better than he did, and to see his life and artistry cut short is beyond tragic. He was loved, cherished and respected by all of country music and beyond. #rip #Joe Diffie" –Big & Rich

"I'm so sad to learn that Joe Diffie has passed away due to complications from the Coronavirus. Joe was a good friend and touring partner with me in the 90's. We had a lot of great times together, both onstage and offstage. This comes as a huge shock to all of us in the country music community who loved Joe and his talent. Deepest condolences to Joe's family, friends and fans." –Travis Tritt

"RIP Joe Diffie: There's something women like about a pickup man." –Stephen King

"How can this be??? Another dear friend & legend gone?!! @JoeDiffieOnline has passed away from Coronavirus. He was an incredible talent, loyal friend & one of the best souls you'd ever want to meet…. God be with us all during this time, RIP…. #rip #joediffie" –Rascal Flatts

"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

"Been singing your songs since I could sing and we'll continue to. Thank you Pickup Man" –Dustin Lynch

"I used to drive back and forth from Texas to TN listening to nothing but @JoeDiffieOnline songs… I was lucky to get to know him… #RIP" –Chris Young

"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

"Joe Diffie man…. Our love for mullets made me feel connected to you in a special way. Rest easy brother" –Morgan Wallen

"2020… damn. RIP Pickup Man. So sad. We lost Joe Diffie" —Cole Swindell

"I can't even begin to find the words. RIP @JoeDiffieOnline – you meant so much to our country music community and were such a dear friend to my husband. May your spirit & songs live on in us" –Carly Pearce

"I was saddened to hear that my friend & fellow Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie passed away today. Joe was a great singer, songwriter, & entertainer that left his mark in Country Music. His clear voice and unique singing style made him immediately recognizable" –Ricky Skaggs

"I am so sad about Joe Diffie. I always loved working with him and just got to see him and visit with him recently at The Opry. Praying for his family and loved ones." –Sara Evans

"Just found out the very sad news about my buddy #JoeDiffie passing away from complications of COVID-19. This is so heartbreaking, I just don't even know what to say. GOD BLESS his family and loved ones. A sad, sad day for country music. Rest In Peace." –John Michael Montgomery

"The virus doesn't care if you're famous or anonymous. It is equal-opportunity vicious. Please ignore the president's happy talk and protect yourselves. Condolences to this artist's family." –Joy Reid

"Joe Diffie died today, John Prine's family posted that he is intubated, critical condition. Creators of all kinds, real artists with years of significant contributions left are very sick, some dying. Heartbreaking. #stayhome # playmusic Crank up Angel From Montgomery for JP" –Andrew Zimmern

"We just lost one of the best singers this town has ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with Joe Diffie's family" –Phil Vassar

"Sadly we lose another great country singer this week, my friend #JoeDiffe … this time to the coronavirus – hard to believe. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest In Peace!" –Lee Greenwood