Photo: Tony R. Phipps/WireImage
Country superstar Roy Clark has died. He was 85.
A rep for the Grammy-award winning singerconfirmed to PEOPLEthat Clark succumbed to complications from pneumonia, which he had contracted shortly before his death. He died at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Thursday morning.
According to a press release, a memorial service will be held for the singer in Tulsa.
The Grand Ole Opry also tweeted out their condolences, writing, “Roy, thank you for always spreading laughter, kindness, and positivity. We’ll keep it goin’ for ya!”
They also included a quote from the late star that emphasized his kindness.
“The next chance you get, do somethin’ nice for somebody – say ‘good day,’ hold a door open – and don’t wait around for a thank you… you don’t need it.” — Roy Clark”
Clark first catapulted to superstardom as the co-host of country variety showHee Haw, which ran for 24 years, and according toBillboardis the longest-running syndicated show in television history.
Over his lengthy career in country music, Clark scored many hits, including “Yesterday, When I Was Young,” “Come Live With Me” and “Somewhere Between Love and Tomorrow.” Fifty of the singer’s songs landed on the Hot Country Songs chart, and he also had six songs make a splash on the Billboard Hot 100,Billboardreported.
Roy Clark.David Redfern/Redferns/Getty
Roy Clark.Kirk West/Getty
Among the many honors Clark picked up throughout his career, he won the CMA Award for entertainer of the year in 1973, and Grammy Award for best country instrumental performance in 1982 for “Alabama Jubilee.”
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009.
According toBillboardhe also holds the distinction of being the first American artist to perform in the Soviet Union.
source: people.com
