Singer-songwriter Mac Davis, who penned Elvis Presley’s 1969 hit “In the Ghetto,” has died at age 78, multiple entertainment outlets are reporting. He recently had fallen ill after undergoing heart surgery, his family said.
According to Variety and Rolling Stone, Davis' manager, Jim Morey, shared the news on social media late Tuesday.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Mac Davis,” Morey wrote in a Facebook post. “He was surrounded by the love of his life and wife of 38 years, Lise, and his sons Scott, Noah and Cody.”
Morey went on to describe Davis, also known for his hits “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me” and “Stop and Smell the Roses,” as his longtime client and best friend.
“He was a music legend, but his most important work was that as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend,” Morey wrote. “I will miss laughing about our many adventures on the road and his insightful sense of humor. When there was a tough decision to be made he often told me, ‘You decide ... I’m going to the golf course!’”
It's with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Mac Davis. He was surrounded by the love of his life and wife of...
Posted by Jim Morey on Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Celebrities and fans took to social media to pay tribute to Davis, who also worked as an actor and TV host. Here’s what they were saying:
Very sad tonight! I just heard that legendary singer, songwriter and actor, Mac Davis has passed away after heart surgery. I grew up watching The Mac Davis show and loving his talent. This is heartbreaking!
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) September 30, 2020
Some of the biggest TV shows of my youth starred Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and Mac Davis. #RIPMacDavis. Thanks for all the joy you brought to a young me!
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) September 30, 2020
This is such a drag. RIP to the incredible #MacDavis. Thank you for your incredible songs and your kindness to me. It was an honor to hear you tell me stories. pic.twitter.com/8UEb5LXSKt
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) September 30, 2020
Totally broken-hearted that my dear friend Mac Davis left for home this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with his incredible wife Lise and their family. Gone but never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/sWntL5P2KX
— TG Sheppard (@TGSheppardmusic) September 30, 2020
RIP Mac Davis.
— Matt Oswalt (@MattOswaltVA) September 30, 2020
I was just watching North Dallas Forty the other day for the first time in years. Holds up so well. pic.twitter.com/ewq6gPT4vH
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