Country music legend George Strait is grieving the loss of two cherished members of his musical family, both of whom passed away on the same day. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Strait announced the deaths of his longtime manager, Eugene Ervine “Erv” Woolsey, and his band’s fiddle player, Gene Elders.
Woolsey, who had guided Strait’s career since the early 1980s, died at age 80 from complications after surgery. A constant presence in Strait’s professional life, he was not only a trusted manager but also a close friend. Strait credited him with playing a pivotal role in his decades of success.
Elders, celebrated for his exceptional fiddle playing, was a key part of Strait’s signature sound. His passing leaves a void in the country music community. Strait expressed profound gratitude for the years shared with both men, describing them as more than colleagues—they were family, making their loss deeply personal.