Country music lost a legend on Christmas Day, as singer and songwriter Stu Phillips died Thursday.
The Grand Ole Opry confirmed his passing via a social media post. Phillips, 92, was the oldest member of the Opry at the time of his death, according to PennLive.
“Thank you, Stu Phillips,” the Opry’s statement read, “for your music, friendship, and 58 years as part of the Opry family.”
Phillips was born in Montreal in 1933 and moved to Nashville in 1965, the same year he released his debut album, according to American Songwriter.
Former bandmate Roger Ball took to Facebook to mourn Phillips.
“I am very saddened to learn Stu Phillips passed today,” Ball wrote. “He was a great singer and a very kind gentleman. I was a member of his band, the Balladiers, back in the 1970s. Stu was my first Grand Ole Opry gig. Rest in peace, my friend.”