Friday, January 15, 2016

Sick Call: Mel Tillis

Category:  News

Country Music Hall of Fame singer/songwriter Mel Tillis is in a Nashville hospital following colon surgery.

Family and friends of Tillis, 83, took to social media earlier today (1/15) to request prayers for him, saying he was "in critical condition."  Tillis' manager said those reports are "exaggerated" in a statement late in the evening, but did acknowledge that Tillis is still in the hospital.  A statement from a country music cruise Tillis was to have participated in said that Tillis has canceled, adding he needs "several weeks" to recover. 

Among his massive hits written for others are "Detroit City" by Bobby Bare, "Honey (Open That Door)" by Ricky Skaggs, "I'm Tired" by Ray Price, and "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" by Kenny Rogers & the First Edition.  His own string of hits include "Sawmill," "Coca Cola Cowboy," and "Good Woman Blues."  

Tillis was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 1976 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007.  He has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2007.

Best wishes and prayers for a complete and speedy recovery to this legend!

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