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Legendary country music songwriter Don Schlitz has died at the age of 73, with the North Carolina native passing away at a Nashville hospital after a short illness on April 16th, 2026.
Schlitz was the songsmith behind revered offerings such as ‘The Gambler’, famously recorded by Kenny Rogers in 1978. The iconic track showcased Schlitz’ ability to weave an intricate, compelling narrative around a heartfelt, uplifting message.
‘The Gambler’ would go on to be certified five-times Platinum and win the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1978, as well as earning CMA Song of the Year the following year.
‘The Gambler’ has blossomed into one of the most famous impactful songs of all time, but remarkably, Schlitz had another game-changing, Grammy-winning up his sleeve in 1987.
Schlitz wrote Randy Travis’ now-revered track, ‘Forever and Ever, Amen’, which went on to become one of Travis’ most loved songs and won the 1988 Grammy for Best Country Song.
Schlitz also penned celebrated offerings such as ‘When You Say Nothing At All’ by Keith Whitley, ‘I Know Where I’m Going’ by The Judds and ‘I Love Only You’ by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. In addition, Schlitz wrote ‘You Can’t Make Old Friends’ by Rogers and Dolly Parton, the duo's first collaboration since ’Islands in the Stream’.
In 2012, Schlitz was welcomed into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, with Rogers aptly inducting him. Five years later, he was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the country music canon when he was invited into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Sarah Trahern, CEO of the CMA, has shared an official statement on Schlitz’ legacy, “We are heartbroken by the news of the passing of Don Schlitz. Don loved his family, his home state of North Carolina, and above all, songs and songwriters. He carried that love into every room, every stage and every lyric he ever wrote”.
Trahern expands, “His work, including timeless classics like ‘The Gambler’, helped shape our genre and rightfully earned him some of its highest honors. In recent years, he found great joy performing at the Grand Ole Opry, mentoring the next generation of songwriters, and sharing his music at Room In The Inn, giving back to the community he helped build. Wayne and I send our love to Stacey and the entire family. Not long ago, we shared a dinner, and as we were leaving, Don picked up a guitar and began to play. That is how I will always remember him, smiling and with a guitar in his hand. His legacy lives on through his music and the many artists and writers he inspired. He will be deeply missed”.
There are certain names in country music history that we know without doubt will last for decades to come, whether it's Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain or Patsy Cline.
But it's crucial to ensure the names of the songwriters that crafted the songs that have soundtracked so many key moments of our lives are remembered with an equal sense of tenacity. As Trahern outlines, Don Schlitz has played a pivotal role in moulding what country music is today, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
Schlitz is notably the only non-artist to have become a member of the hallowed Grand Ole Opry, and this Saturday's live Opry broadcast will be dedicated to the late songwriter. Schlitz is survived by his wife Stacey, daughter Cory Dixon and her husband Matt Dixon, son Pete Schlitz and his wife Christian Webb Schlitz, grandchildren Roman, Gia, Isla and Lilah, brother Brad Schlitz and sister Kathy Hinkley.
