Joe Diffie dies of complications from coronavirus

Joe Diffie, a country music singer known for his lighthearted odes to country life that reached mainstream success in the 1990s, died Sunday from complications of coronavirus, his publicist said in a news release.

Diffie, a 61-year-old native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, made 13 albums and had more than 20 Top 10 hits to his credit, his publicist said. Sporting a mustache and mullet, his boot-scooting crowd-pleasers included the hits, “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)” and “Honky Tonk Attitude.”

Two days before his death, Diffie released a statement saying he had tested positive for coronavirus and was receiving treatment.”My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic,” the statement said.

He was schedule to play in Tifton, Georgia with Shotgun Charlie Walker’s band “The Lost Southern Boys” last Saturday March 21 at The Tift Theatre.