Blake Shelton is remembering John Anderson as both a hero and a friend. Anderson died Oct. 21 at age 71, and his family announced the news on his Facebook and Instagram accounts. Shelton shared his tribute Thursday with a photo of the two smiling together, saying he was shocked and heartbroken.
The post carried a final memory. Shelton saw Anderson last Sunday at the Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony in Nashville and told him he loved him. He wrote that he didn't know why he said it, and that "John was my friend." He closed with a line about prayer: "My love and prayers go out to John's family."
Anderson died peacefully in his sleep, and no cause of death has been announced. His family asked fans to keep them in their thoughts and prayers. Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire and John Rich also paid tribute. Shelton's wife, Gwen Stefani, commented on the announcement as well.
The two shared the stage and the studio. Shelton sang on Anderson's 2020 single "Tuesday I'll Be Gone." Anderson said the invitation to join Shelton's 2019 tour felt "like prayers being answered," because he had lost his band for about a year.
Anderson, a Country Music Hall of Famer, was known for hits including "Swingin'," "Wild and Blue" and "Straight Tequila Night."
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