Blake Shelton Reveals Friend and Singer Earl Thomas Conley Passed Away: ‘My Heart Is Destroyed’

So sad! Blake Shelton revealed the heartbreaking news that fellow country singer Earl Thomas Conley has died at the age of 77.

The 42-year-old took to Instagram on Wednesday, April 10, to share the news. “My heart is absolutely destroyed today,” he began the caption alongside a photo of he and Earl both smiling while performing together. “I’m sad to report that Earl Thomas Conley passed away very early this morning. Earl was my all time favorite singer, hero and my friend. Prayers to his family. We will all miss you deeply my brother. Now go rest …” Take a look at the photo here.

Many fans rushed to the comments section to share words of support for him. “So very sad! Prayers for his family and friends. Love you” one person said, while another added, “So sorry, he was one of the greats! Loved ETC!!” One user commented, “Prayers for his family and friends as he takes that great ride home.”

Earl recorded 10 studio albums during his career in music and has the distinction of charting more than 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Out of those 30, 18 reached No. 1, so it’s clear that we have lost a big part of country music.

There is no word yet on how Earl passed away, but we know his legacy and memory will live on.

More updates to come as we learn more information…