Tim McGraw mourned the passing of songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker with a heartfelt thank you. The songwriter passed away on Friday at the age of 78.
McGraw is the latest celebrity to memorialize Walker and his accomplishments over his six-decade career. On Twitter, McGraw shared one of his favorite Walker songs. He also revealed he used to sing the song to his daughters.
He wrote, “‘She Knows Her Daddy Sings’ was one of the songs I used to play for my girls when they were little. Thinking back on those days today….and missing you, Jerry Jeff Walker. Thank you for the songs.”
Several Celebrities Remembered Jerry Jeff Walker
McGraw wasn’t the only one sharing and saddened by the country music staple’s death. Walker received an outpouring of tributes including from some unexpected places. Both an NFL star and a former president remembered the songwriter.
On Twitter, Kix Brooks, of Brooks and Dunn, remembered a time Walker helped him early in his career. Walker had helped him land a gig when the musician was struggling. Brooks later repaid said kindness with a tribute song called “The Ballad of Jerry Jeff Walker.”
Brooks wrote, “Lost my buddy [Jerry Jeff Walker] last night! One of the great Lone Star bada–es – gave me a gig in the 70s when he was the king in my neck of the woods- Adios Amigo – tell [Guy Clark] I said hey- RIP.”
Likewise, Former President Bill Clinton remembered watching Walker in concert and the time Walker performed on his campaign trail prior to Election Day.
Clinton wrote, “I was saddened to hear about the passing of Jerry Jeff Walker. I’ll never forget seeing him at the Armadillo music hall in Austin in 1972, or his performance for my 1992 campaign the night before Election Day. He was a true original, and his music will live on.”
Likewise, two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning offered a tribute to one of the founders of “outlaw” country music. On Twitter, Manning wrote, “RIP Jerry Jeff Walker. Great Gonzos was one of the first CDs that I bought. Growing up his music was a staple in the Manning household.”
Walker’s survivors include his wife, Susan, daughter, Jessie Jane, and son, Django.
