Country singer Jody Miller has passed away at the age of 80, her family confirmed.
The Grammy-award winner, who graced the world of music with hits like Queen of the House, He’s So Fine, and Baby I’m Yours, reportedly died of complications stemming from her Parkinson’s.
As The Oklahoman reported, the country star died in her hometown of Blanchard, whereas she was surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments.
The tragic news comes seven years after the singer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s following decades of a successful career.
Back in 1965, Miller received a Grammy for her hit Queen of the House which landed 12th place on the Billboard Hot 100. The track also earned fifth place on the country chart.
Following her success with the song, the crossover trailblazer, who started out as a folk singer, released more than two dozen other tracks and helped shape the country music scene.
“I’d say next to Queen of the House, the biggest record for me was He’s So Fine, (in 1971), a remake of the old Chiffons hit,” Miller previously said in an interview with Tulsa Road.
Recalling her music career, she added: “I really came back on that one, and I got the Billboard award (for Artist Resurgence of the Year). It sold as many as Queen of the House did, and told people on Music Row down in Nashville that there was another audience out there that might pick up on country music.”
Following Miller’s death, tributes have begun pouring in for the kind and talented artist.
“Not only was she a great talent, but she was one of the nicest people I have ever worked with. She had a fantastic voice and a wonderful career. You are loved, Jody, and I am so honored to have represented you,” her former representative, Jim Halsey, told Deadline.
Miller’s longtime friend, Jennifer McMullen, added: “Jody Miller’s talent cannot be overstated. She had this innate, God-given ability to interpret and communicate with the most beautiful tones and inflection.
“She made it look and sound so easy that it sometimes takes a moment to realize the greatness of what you are hearing. But she was just as authentic and exceptional in her own life as she was on stage and on record.”
Our thoughts are with Miller’s friends and family during this tragic time.