US country music singer Don Williams has died aged 78 after a short illness, BBC reports.
Williams who enjoyed great success with his easy-going singing style began his solo career in 1971, amassing 17 number one country hits.
The “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good” artiste was known as the gentle giant of country music.
In 2010, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Some of his most popular songs include: Gypsy Woman, Tulsa Time, You’re My Best Friend, and I Believe in You.
Another US country star, 50-year-old Troy Gentry, also died on Friday in a helicopter crash.
Troy Gentry was due to perform in Medford, New Jersey on Friday evening
A statement of the band’s website confirmed Gentry’s demise.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm that Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo, Montgomery Gentry, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash which took place at approximately 1:00pm today in Medford, New Jersey,” the statement read in part.
The helicopter’s pilot also died in the incident, but the reasons for the crash remain unclear.