Country Legend Mac Davis Dies After Surgery at 78

Singer-songwriter Mac Davis, who wrote some of Elvis Presley’s biggest hits, died at 78. According to a tweet from his family, Davis became “critically ill following heart surgery in Nashville,” and his manager confirmed his death Tuesday.  

Born in Lubbock, Texas, in 1942, Davis penned chart topping hits for Elvis Presley during the 60’s and 70’s including “In The Ghetto,” “Memories,” and smash “A Little Less Conversation.”

He wrote hits that launched his own singing career into the top 10 with 1972’s “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” “Stop and Smell the Roses,” and “One Hell of a Woman.” 

In 1974, he beat out Lorretta Lynn for the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year and went on to host NBC’s “The Mac Davis Show,” which led to hosting yearly recurring Christmas specials on the network into the 80’s.  

Davis had a final string of hits in the 80’s with “It’s Hard to Be Humble” and “Texas in My Rearview Mirror,” then debuted in movie theaters beside Nick Nolte in the comedy North Dallas Forty. In later years, he guest starred on King of the Hill, That ‘70s Show, and 8 Simple Rules, with a final appearance in Netflix’s Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings in 2019.    

He collaborated with the late EDM performer Avicii in 2013.“We’ve done two songs together, it’s a trip,” the artist said about Davis. “He comes from an era that really doesn’t exist anymore, especially in lyrics.”

He is survived by his third wife Lise Gerard and his three children.  

Celebrity mourners paid their respects to Davis on social media.  

My dear friend Gigi Garner (@MavrocksGirl) called me late last night with terrible news. Our beloved #MacDavis passed away unexpectedly yesterday from post-surgery complications. Jim and Mac and I played golf regularly at our country club and the laughs and stories were heaven.

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) 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

Rest in peace, #MacDavis (January 21, 1942 – September 29, 2020) & #kennyrogers (August 21, 1938 – March 20, 2020). #togetheragain #RIPMacDavis
{ Photo courtesy of @RoadieGarth } -Team KR pic.twitter.com/q7UuI5udDN

— Kenny Rogers (@_KennyRogers) September 30, 2020

Many hearts are broken today, including my own, with the death of one of my dearest friends, Mac Davis. We lost one of the world’s greatest writers, singers, and entertainers (1/2) pic.twitter.com/MUt66wtwEn

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 30, 2020

Marie Finn