Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Country Radio Legend, Bob Kingsley, Dies at 80

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Celebrated country radio host, Bob Kingsley died Thursday at his home at Weatherford, Texas. It was recently announced that the country radio host has been battling bladder cancer. Unfortunately, he died a week after his announcement at the age of 80.

Country Artists Remember Bob Kingsley

Some of our favorite country artists are quick to share their statements regarding the passing of Bob Kingsley. The country radio host worked on the country radio scene for over 40 years and he knew most of the country singers that we listen to today.

bob kingsley
via USA Today

Kenny Chesney shares:

“I listened to Kingsley every Sunday, as a child and as a college kid driving from Knoxville to Johnson City. I had heroes in country music and Bob Kingsley brought those heroes closer to me. He made them real, made them human.”

Another one of Kingsley’s friend who shared his thoughts and prayers was Keith Urban. The country icon said on his social media account:

“Today I lost a longtime great friend and we lost a beautiful human named Bob Kingsley. Every memory I have of being with Bob (and Nan) is one of rare warmth and grace. I will miss you dearly Bob- peace be with your spirit, and blessings & peace be with your family today.”

Kingsley has a major contribution to the world of country music. Back in 1978, he hosted the popular syndicated program American Country Countdown. His work at the program helped shape a lot of country music listeners and lovers.

 bob kingsley
via YouTube

In his show, he expanded the weekly countdown with the inclusion of holiday specials and album release programs. This included artists such as Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, George Jones,  and Alabama. In 2006, he made another career milestone when he launched  “Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40” together with his wife, Nan Kingsley. The show is estimated to be played for 320 stations.

Here at Country Thang Daily, we offer our prayers and thoughts to the family of Bob Kingsley. May he rest in peace.

Latest Stories

Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge performing their duet 'Please Don't Tell Me How the Story Ends,' capturing the beauty and heartbreak of love's final moments.

Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge’s Timeless Duet, “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends”

When Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge sang together, their voices became an extension of their love story—beautiful, bittersweet, and undeniably real. Married in 1973 after a whirlwind meeting in an ...

Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch performing 'I'll Fly Away,' a soulful masterpiece from O Brother, Where Art Thou?, showcasing gospel roots and timeless harmonies.

How Alison Krauss’ “I’ll Fly Away” Became a Hymn for the Ages

There’s a magic in Alison Krauss’ voice, an ethereal quality that feels wrapped in sunlight and steeped in tradition. When she joined forces with Gillian Welch to record “I’ll Fly ...

Craig Morgan delivering an emotional performance of 'The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost' on The Kelly Clarkson Show, moving the audience to tears as he honors his son's memory.

Craig Morgan’s “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” Moves “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to Tears

In 2016, Craig Morgan faced a tragedy no parent should ever endure: the loss of his 19-year-old son, Jerry, in a tubing accident on Kentucky Lake. Morgan’s heartbreak was profound, ...

Jesse Keith Whitley and his son Jackie performing a heartfelt duet of 'Don't Close Your Eyes,' honoring Keith Whitley's legacy with a touching family tribute.

Jesse Keith Whitley and Son Jackie Duet “Don’t Close Your Eyes” in a Heartfelt Tribute

At Lorrie Morgan’s Spicy Hot Chicken Coop in Panama City Beach, Florida, fans were treated to a magical evening when Jesse Keith Whitley performed his father’s iconic song “Don’t Close ...

Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson brought together through modern technology for a duet of 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee,' blending their iconic voices in a timeless gospel masterpiece.

Willie Nelson Joins Patsy Cline for a Heavenly “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

Patsy Cline’s tragic death in a 1963 plane crash left an irreplaceable void in country music. Her haunting voice, which gave us classics like “Cr𝐚zy” and “I Fall to Pieces,” ...

Vince Gill performing 'The Price of Regret,' conveying a heartfelt message of unity, compassion, and healing, showcasing his enduring impact on country music.

Vince Gill’s “The Price of Regret” Is a Timeless Call for Unity

In 2019, Vince Gill once again proved why he’s a cornerstone of country music with his powerful single “The Price of Regret” from the album Okie. Known for his ability ...

George Jones delivering his final performance of 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' in 2013, a heartfelt farewell from a country music legend filled with raw emotion.

George Jones’ Last Performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” Was Unforgettable

George Jones, lovingly known as “The Possum,” gave the world one last gift with his final performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” on April 6, 2013. Captured during his ...

Blake Shelton performing a lively cover of 'Footloose,' inspiring Texas Roadhouse staff to create a viral line dance that blends music, fun, and energetic dining vibes.

Texas Roadhouse Staff Goes Viral Dancing to Blake Shelton’s “Footloose”

In 2015, Texas Roadhouse became more than just a restaurant serving mouthwatering steaks and buttery rolls—it became the stage for a viral moment with everyone tapping their feet. The reason? ...

George Jones and Dolly Parton’s Breathtaking Duet of “The Blues Man”

In 2005, country legends George Jones and Dolly Parton teamed up for a stunning rendition of Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Blues Man.” The collaboration marked the first time these two ...

Scotty McCreery Stuns With “That’s All Right, Mama” on American Idol

In 2011, a skinny, baseball-loving teen from North Carolina stepped onto the American Idol stage and turned the country music world on its ear. Chris Piner of American Songwriter recalls ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.