Country community reacts to Tillis passing

"I've lost a brother," said Bobby Bare, a band mate of Tillis in "Old Dogs" with Waylon Jennings and Jerry Reed. "Mel was the very first person I met when I came to Nashville in the late '50s and we've been friends ever since. I've lost another fishing buddy and a talented, talented brother. Without Mel and 'Detroit City,' I probably would not have had a career. Mel's one of those people you've got to love Tillis co-wrote Bare's smash-hit "Detroit City."

"It's a sad day in country music but even sadder for the family and those of us who loved the late, great Mel Tillis," said fellow Opry member Lorrie Morgan. "His life was the stage and making people laugh for years. He was truly one of the kindest men in the business to me. He was great friends with my dad and my uncle Bill and he's treated me like a daughter. My heart breaks for the future of the Tillis family while they heal. It's a hole that will never be filled for them. God bless Mel Tillis and the Tillis family." Morgan recently cut an album with Tillis' daughter, Pam.

"My heart is just broken over the passing of the great Mel Tillis," said Tanya Tucker. "I have so many wonderful memories with him. I'll never forget working with him on 'Love Boat' with Dottie West. We just go way back - from the time I was eight years old when he brought me on stage with him. When I got older, sometimes I had to use other bands because I didn't have a band. Mel always let me use his band and I'll never forget that. We remained friends right up until the end. Love you, Mel."

Tim McGraw tweeted, "Man, one of the coolest guys in country music ever and an extraordinary songwriter! So glad I got a chance to hang out with him a bit early in my career. Thinking about his family..."