“Won’t ever be the same,” Strait remarked following the passing of his close pal.

George Strait, a legend in country music,

recently revealed the deaths of two dear members of his musical family on the same day, leaving him grieving deeply.

On his Facebook page, the renowned singer shared his sorrow for the deaths of his bandmate Gene Elders and

manager Eugene Ervine “Erv” Woolsey.

After difficulties following surgery, Erv Woolsey, who had been Strait’s manager since the early 1980s, passed away at the age of 80.

What did George say?

After graduating from Southwest Texas State University and returning to Houston, Woolsey settled in Nashville, where he made important contributions to the music business. Woolsey owned a nightclub in San Marcos called The Prairie Rose, where Strait first met her. This was the beginning of their enduring friendship and collaboration. Strait regretted:

“Erv Woolsey, my buddy of much longer standing and, for about 45 years, my manager, died away this morning. He was unable to recover from surgical complications. Sadly, his fighting was just too much for such a courageous man. We will always cherish the time we spent with him and will miss him terribly. Will never be the same in his absence.

Strait also lamented the passing of Gene Elders, a vital component of his Ace in the Hole band since 1984, on the same day. Strait recalled Elders, a mandolin and violin player, as a dear “brother” in the music industry.

“We are sending our condolences to both families. Without our brother Gene, the band and I will never be the same. We had a great fondness for him. Geno, go play with Mike once more. Later, we’ll come hang out with you guys,” Strait wrote.

The world’s country music community and fans send their warmest condolences to George Strait during this trying time, as he deals with the deaths of two significant individuals in his life and profession.