Tim McGraw has revealed his final conversation with John Anderson after the country legend died at 71.
The “I Like It, I Love It” singer, 58, shared on Instagram that he spoke with Anderson on Sunday night at the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the CMA Theater in Nashville, where McGraw was being inducted. Anderson attended the event with his wife, Jamie, and appeared in high spirits as he posed for photos with fellow musicians.
“He was in such good spirits. We talked, we laughed, we sang his songs that I loved so much together, just goofing off,” McGraw wrote on Instagram, alongside a backstage photo of the pair.
McGraw added that he is “completely heartbroken” over Anderson’s death and praised his everlasting influence on the country music industry.
“There will never be a stylist in music, any music, that was so defining as his. It’s just devastating,” he continued.
McGraw concluded his post, “All of our love goes out to his family and the country music community. He was and is one of the defining voices in country music. So great. I am completely shook.”
Other pictures from the ceremony show Anderson in deep conversation with Ricky Skaggs and smiling with songwriter Dean Dillon. The event marked Anderson’s final public appearance, coming just three days before his death.
Country singer Parker McCollum also shared his experience with Anderson at the annual event, noting it was the first time they met.
“I literally just met him on Sunday night,” McCollum said. “Cannot believe this. An absolute legend and one of the greatest to ever do it. Beyond grateful to have had the chance to shake his hand.”
Anderson died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Wednesday, according to a statement released by his representatives at Absolute Publicity. His family issued their own statement alongside the announcement.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend,” his family said in the statement.
“To the world, he was a gifted country music singer whose voice and songs touched countless lives. To us, he was so much more.”
His family and representatives have not publicly disclosed an official cause of death.
Anderson signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1976 and quickly drew industry attention by blending traditional country and folk influences. His breakthrough came in 1983, when “Swingin'” sold more than a million copies and earned him the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award and Single of the Year.
In 2024, Anderson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame himself, alongside Toby Keith and guitarist James Burton. The honor capped a career that spanned nearly five decades and produced hits including “Seminole Wind” and “Straight Tequila Night.”
He is survived by his wife, Jamie, daughters Alexa and Brionna, and their families.
McGraw’s induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame drew numerous country legends to Nashville’s CMA Theater, creating a gathering that now carries added weight as Anderson’s final industry event.
