Country music legend Earl Thomas Conley has passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy that has deeply impacted the genre. The news of his death has prompted emotional reactions from fellow country artists, including Blake Shelton and Toby Keith.

Earl Thomas Conley, known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, was a prominent figure in country music during the 1980s and 1990s. With numerous chart-topping hits such as "Holding Her and Loving You" and "Love Out Loud," Conley's music resonated with many fans and solidified his place in country music history. His talent and contributions to the genre have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.

Upon hearing the news of Conley's passing, country superstar Blake Shelton took to Twitter to express his grief, describing Conley as one of his all-time favorite singers. Shelton noted, "My heart is absolutely destroyed today... I'm sad to report that Earl Thomas Conley passed away very early this morning. Earl was my all-time favorite singer, hero, and my friend."

Country music icon Toby Keith also paid tribute to Conley, tweeting, "I just heard one of my favorite singers Earl Thomas Conley passed away. I grew up loving his music, he was one of the best." Keith, who has been in the industry for decades, recognized Conley's talent and the profound impact he had on the world of country music.

The passing of Earl Thomas Conley is a great loss to the country music community. His contributions to the genre will not be forgotten, and his music will continue to touch the hearts of fans for generations to come.