Country star Todd Snider has died aged 59 a few days after it was announced he was battling pneumonia.
The American singer, 59, released his debut album Songs for the Daily Planet in 1994, since going on to release a further 19 records.
On Saturday, a statement released on his social media pages explained that he’d ‘departed this world’.
‘Where do we find the words for the one who always had the right words, who knew how to distill everything down to its essence with words and song while delivering the most devastating, hilarious, and impactful turn of phrases? Always creating rhyme and meter that immediately felt like an old friend or a favourite blanket. Someone who could almost always find the humor in this crazy ride on Planet Earth,’ it explained.
‘He relayed so much tenderness and sensitivity through his songs, and showed many of us how to look at the world through a different lens. He got up every morning and started writing, always working towards finding his place among the songwriting giants that sat on his record shelves, those same giants who let him into their lives and took him under their wings, who he studied relentlessly. Guy Clark, John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Jeff Walker.
‘How do we move forward without the one who gave us countless 90-minute distractions from our impending doom? The one who always had 18 minutes to share a story. We’ll do it by carrying his stories and songs that contain messages of love, compassion, and peace with us. Today, put on one of your favourite Todd Snider records and “play it loud enough to wake up all of your neighbours or at least loud enough to always wake yourself up”. We love you Todd, sail on old friend, we’ll see you again out there on the road somewhere down the line. You will always be a force of nature.’
The update came a day after a health update shared on Snider’s pages revealed there was some ‘difficult news to share’.
‘After Todd returned home to recover last week, he began having trouble breathing and was admitted to the hospital in Hendersonville, TN. We learned from his doctors that he had been quietly suffering from an undiagnosed case of walking pneumonia,’ it began.
‘Our beloved brother’s condition has become more complicated, and he’s since been transferred for additional treatment. His care team and those closest to him are by his side and doing everything they can.
‘Right now we’re asking everyone who loves Todd to hold him in your thoughts in whatever way feels right to you. Say a prayer, light a candle, roll one up, send strength, or just keep him close in your heart. You’ve carried him through so much over the years, and he needs that from all of us now more than ever.’
It concluded: ‘We’ll share more when there is more to tell. Thank you for surrounding him with so much love, support, and compassion. Love Todd’s friends and family.’
Fans quickly flooded the post, sharing their tributes to the late singer.
‘Oh no! I’m so very sorry. Sending love to his family, friends and fans around the world,’ Kris wrote.
‘Heartbreaking. Thank you for everything Todd,’ Nate commented.
‘Your songs and stories will live in our hearts forever because legends never die,’ Erin added.
Earlier this month Snider was forced to cancel a string of dates on his High, Lonesome and Then Some… 2025 US tour.
A statement released by his team reported that the musician had been attacked and left with severe injuries as the victim of a violent assault outside of his hotel.
‘Todd will be unable to perform for an undetermined amount of time. We deeply apologise for the cancellation and any inconvenience it causes,’ it explained.
‘We appreciate your understanding as Todd receives needed medical treatment. We hope to have more information on new dates soon.’
Soon after the announcement, it was also reported that Snider had been arrested in Salt Lake City and released a few hours later.
After he was taken to hospital following the assault, he was treated from Holy Cross Hospital.
Police went on to explain that Snider had initially been discharged and left the hospital but returned to ‘air grievances’, before being arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct, trespassing and making a violent threat.
‘He returned to the hospital and made threats that he was going to assault members of the staff,’ Salt Lake City police Detective Michael Ruff said.
Snider had previously taken a three-year break from touring after suffering health complications due to spinal stenosis, a condition which puts pressure on the spinal cord and causes back and neck pain.
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