Country music legend George Strait is mourning the loss of two cherished members of his musical family. In a deeply emotional Facebook post, Strait shared the heartbreaking news that both his long-time manager, Eugene Ervine “Erv” Woolsey, and his talented band member, Gene Elders, passed away on the same day.
Woolsey, who had been by Strait’s side since the early 1980s, died at the age of 80 following complications from surgery. For decades, Woolsey wasn’t just Strait’s manager—he was a trusted friend, mentor, and integral part of the country star’s journey to success. Strait credited Woolsey with much of his career’s achievements, and his loss leaves an indelible void.
Alongside Woolsey, Gene Elders, a revered fiddle player and key member of Strait’s band, also passed away on that tragic day. Elders, known for his mastery of the fiddle, was instrumental in crafting Strait’s signature sound, and his passing has left a profound sense of loss within the country music community.
In his post, Strait expressed the immense grief he feels for the loss of two men who were more than colleagues—they were family. He shared his deep gratitude for the time they spent together and the invaluable impact they had on his life and music.
This sorrowful day marks an incredibly difficult chapter in Strait’s life, as he navigates the loss of these two monumental figures who were by his side for so many years.