George Strait Mourns Loss of Longtime Manager and Band Member

Country music legend George Strait is grieving the loss of two close members of his musical family. In a heartfelt Facebook post,

Strait announced that both his longtime manager, Eugene Ervine “Erv” Woolsey, and band member Gene Elders passed away on the same day.

Woolsey, who had managed Strait’s career since the early 1980s, died at age 80 due to complications following surgery.

Strait credited him not only with helping build his legendary career, but also described him as a trusted advisor and dear friend.

Gene Elders, a gifted fiddle player known for his role in shaping Strait’s signature sound, also passed away that day.

His contributions to country music were significant, and he was beloved by both fans and fellow musicians.

Strait expressed deep sorrow in his post, saying the loss of these two men feels like losing family.

Both were instrumental to his decades of success, and their absence marks a painful chapter in his life.

He closed his message with gratitude for the time they shared, honoring their impact on his personal

and professional journey. The country music world joins Strait in mourning the loss of two irreplaceable talents.