Remembering The Death of Don Williams, The Gentle Giant We Have All Loved

On September 8, 2017, Don Williams died at his home in Mobile, Alabama. His publicist confirmed that the award-winning country singer passed away after a brief struggle with emphysema, a chronic lung condition that involves damage to the walls of the lungs’ tiny air sacs. Williams was 78.

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A year before his death, Williams was forced to cancel his North American tour – where he was slated to visit 21 cities across America – due to an unexpected hip replacement surgery. Soon enough, the country music and prolific hitmaker announced his decision to retire from country music.

“It’s time to hang my hat up and enjoy some quiet time at home,” Williams said, adding that he’s beyond grateful to his supportive fans. 

A Famous Country Star Who Carried The Genre’s Torch Around The World

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With his rich voice, laid-back demeanor, and storytelling style, Don Williams gained musical attention in the late 1960s – as well as earned his nickname, The Gentle Giant. 

His career that spanned to six decades long was an illustrious one, amassing seventeen No. 1 country hits. Don Williams songs such as “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend,” “I Believe in You,” “You’re My Best Friend,” and “Good Ole Boys Like Me” made him an internationally celebrated country star. He toured sparingly overseas, more particularly in Europe and Africa. 

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In 2010, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. “His music will forever be a balm in troublesome times,” Kyle Young, CEO of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Truly, Don Williams is one of the greatest to have ever graced country music.