Country music legend George Strait is mourning the loss of two close figures: his band member Gene Elders and his manager of 45 years, Ervine “Erv” Woolsey. Both passed away within hours of each other, leaving Strait heartbroken.

Strait shared his grief on social media, expressing that the band and he “won’t ever be the same” without Gene, who had been with Strait’s Ace in the Hole band since 1984. Elders, who played fiddle and mandolin, had also played with Lyle Lovett’s band. Woolsey, a renowned Nashville manager, passed away due to complications from surgery. Strait called him “a tough man” who fought hard.

Fans and industry figures, including Kyle Young of the Country Music Hall of Fame, paid tribute to Woolsey’s pivotal role in Strait’s career, praising his support for new talent and his belief in Strait’s traditional sound.

Strait’s fans have sent their condolences, remembering the legacy of both men.