George Strait is mourning the loss of another close friend and co-worker. The country music legend, who recently lost both his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, and band member Gene Elders, reveals on social media that his longtime road manager, Tom Foote, has also passed away.

“We lost another one of our good friends and a huge part of our musical journey yesterday,” Strait writes. “Tom Foote, our one-time drummer and long-time road manager for around 48 years, suddenly passed away at his home after our rehearsal. The band and I were with him most of the afternoon and he was great. Just doing what he loved to do which was making sure we were taken care of.

“2024 is taking its toll on the Ace in the Hole group,” he adds. “We’re all heartbroken to say the least. Rest in peace brother Tom. You will be hugely missed. I’ll see you down the road amigo.”

 

Strait gave a touching tribute when Woolsey, who was with Strait since the beginning of his career, passed away.

“My manager for around 45 years and most importantly my friend for even longer, Erv Woolsey, passed away this morning,” Strait said at the time. “He had complications from a surgery and just couldn’t overcome it. He was a very tough man, and fought hard, but sadly it was just too much. We will miss him so very much and will never forget all the time we had together. Won’t ever be the same without him.”

Tragically, Elders passed away on the same day as Woolsey, making it an incredibly difficult time for Strait.

“Hard to believe we lost two of our music family members on the same day,” Strait wrote. “Our Ace In the Hole treasured band member Gene Elders passed away yesterday afternoon shortly after we lost Erv. All of our prayers go out to both families. Me and the band won’t ever be the same without our brother Gene. We loved him so much. Go play with Mike again Geno. We’ll come join you guys later.”

Strait will continue his stadium shows this summer, with Chris Stapleton serving as his opening act for all dates. Although he announced his retirement from touring in 2012, Strait still enjoys playing occasionally throughout the year.

“By the time showtime arrives every night, I’m usually tired of waiting and chomping at the bit to go,” the 71-year-old told Billboard  “’When I walk through those curtains and see those smiling faces, my feet don’t touch the ground again till I walk back out and get on that bus that got me here’ — that’s from a song I wrote called ‘I’ll Always Remember You.’ It’s a true statement.”

Strait will also perform one show in Texas this year, at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field. Parker McCollum and Catie Offerman will serve as his opening acts. Find all of his music and upcoming shows at GeorgeStrait.com.