Outlaw country legend David Allan Coe passes away at 86

Outlaw country music icon David Allan Coe has died at the age of 86.

The news was confirmed on Wednesday by his wife, Kimberly Hastings Coe, in a statement to Rolling Stone. However, the cause of death was not disclosed.

Coe was widely known for his gritty, working-class style and songwriting, including the popular anthem Take This Job and Shove It, as well as the fan-favorite You Never Even Called Me By My Name.

His wife described him as “one of the best singers and songwriters of our time,” paying tribute to a career that left a lasting mark on country music.

Over the decades, Coe built a reputation as a rebellious voice in the genre, earning a loyal following and influencing generations of artists with his raw storytelling and unapologetic style.

“My husband, my friend, my confidant and my life for many years. I’ll never forget him, and I don’t want anyone else to ever forget him either,” she wrote to the publication.

A statement from a Coe representative to People said he died around 5 pm on Wednesday.

In a statement, the singer’s wife praised his talent, describing him as the “best singer, songwriter, and performer of our time”.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Coe began his music career after spending part of his youth in reformatories and serving time in an Ohio prison from 1963 to 1967 for possession of burglary tools.

He initially performed in the Blues genre before transitioning to country music, where he became a prominent figure in the 1970s outlaw country movement.

Coe was a prominent figure in the outlaw country music scene and was known for many hit songs like “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” “The Ride,” “Longhaired Redneck”, and others.

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