Ronnie Milsap‘s wife Joyce has passed away. The news was first announced on social media, by artist Sam Moore, whose post suggests Joyce passed away from leukemia, Milsap has yet to publicly comment on her passing.

“It is with great sorrow that I post this photo of Ronnie Milsap my friend for more than 50 years and his beloved wife Joyce who passed away this morning, Joyce had leukemia and she suffered for many years with it and from it,” Moore wrote. “She was an amazing wonderful woman a devoted wife a loving mother and a dear dear dear friend. Rest in heaven Joyce Milsap let God hold you in his arms and be with the Angels.”

 

The Oak Ridge Boys also spoke out about Joyce’s passing on social media as well.

“Joyce [and] Ronnie Milsap have had a renowned and well known romance through 54 years of marriage … She passed on to Glory this morning … love and prayers to our brother,” they posted.

Joyce snd Ronnie Milsap have had a renowned and well known romance through 54 years of marriage … She passed on to Glory this morning … love and prayers to our brother … @ronniemilsap 🙏

— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) September 6, 2021

It was Joyce who suggested they make the move from Memphis to Nashville in 1972, helping kickstart what became one of the most legendary careers in country music. Joyce was battling leukemia when Milsap was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014, and was unable to attend the ceremony. Still, Milsap acknowledges that his success is shared equally with her.

“It’s always been a dream to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame,” Milsap told The Tennessean. “That’s the highest honor they can bestow. Joycie has been with me through all of this. She’s seen me through.”

Milsap and Joyce have endured their share of heartache as well. In 2019. the couple mourned the loss of their son Todd, who unexpectedly passed away.

Funeral services for Milsap’s wife have yet to be announced. Everything Nash extends our deepest condolences to Milsap and his family.