Joe Diffie
Joe Diffie passed away from the coronavirus (Picture: AFF-USA/REX)

Country singer Joe Diffie has died aged 61 from complications related to the coronavirus.

The 90s music icon went public with his diagnosis on Friday 27 March.

A spokesperson released a statement reading: ‘Grammy-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19)

‘His family respects their privacy at this time.’

Joe’s original post on Friday explained he went pubic to remind people to be ‘vigilant, cautious and careful’ as the virus spreads.

‘I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment,’ he wrote.

Joe Diffie
He went public with the diagnosis on Friday (Picture: Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Country Thunder)

‘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.’

Joe was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 25 years and is a household name to country fans around the world.

The star had over 20 top 10 country hits, five of which went straight to number one, including Home, Third Rock from the Sun, Pickup Man, Bigger Than the Beatles and If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets).

Two of his albums went platinum and two were certified gold.

Joe’s wife Tara also announced his death on his Instagram page, with a picture of him and the caption: ‘It’s with a sad heart that I have to post this. Tara.’

He leaves behind children Parker and Kara (from his first marriage to Janise Parker), Drew and Tyler (with ex-wife Debbie Jones) and Kylie (with ex-wife Theresa Crump).

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