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Country singer Joe Diffie dies after testing positive for coronavirus

Diffie was 61 years old

Singer Joe Diffie performs onstage during Day 1 of the 2019 Stagecoach Country Music Festival on April 26, 2019 in Indio, California. (2019 Scott Dudelson)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – UPDATE (Sunday at 4:21 p.m.)

Country music’s Joe Diffie died Sunday from complications of the coronavirus.

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On Friday, Diffie announced on his Facebook page that he had contracted the virus.

GRAMMY®-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29 from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19). His family requests privacy at this time.

Posted by Joe Diffie on Sunday, 29 March 2020

A publicist for Joe Diffie says the country singer has tested positive for COVID-19.

Scott Adkins released a statement to The Associated Press from Diffie that said he is under the care of medical professionals and is receiving treatment.

“My family and I are asking for privacy at this time,” Diffie said in the statement. "We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic.”

The Grand Ole Opry member and Grammy winner is known for his hits in the '90s including, “Honky Tonk Attitude,” “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox,” “John Deere Green,” “Third Rock From The Sun” and “Pickup Man."

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.