Gary Rossington, the last original founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, has passed away. Rossington was 71 years old when he died on March 5, less than a year after Rossington had emergency heart surgery last July.
Lynyrd Skynyrd shared the news on social media.
“It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today,” the rock band announced. “Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does. Please keep Dale, Mary, Annie and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”
Several artists spoke out about Rossington’s passing after the news was announced, including Travis Tritt.
“I just learned that my dear friend, Gary Rossington passed away today,” Tritt writes. “I’m heartbroken! Gary was not only a friend, but a collaborator that wrote songs with me and played guitar with me in studio recordings and onstage so many times. My heart goes out to Dale and the girls.”
I just learned that my dear friend, Gary Rossington passed away today. I’m heartbroken! Gary was not only a friend, but a collaborator that wrote songs with me and played guitar with me in studio recordings and onstage so many times. My heart goes out to Dale and the girls. RIP🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/BuTEIdDaR2
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 6, 2023
The Marshall Tucker Band spoke out about the loss of Rossington as well, sharing a photo of Rossington with The Marshall Tucker Band’s founding member, Doug Gray.
“This was expected but still hard to believe,” the band writes. “Great sadness has come upon me. He was a gentleman that held it all together. Much love to his wife, Dale, who has been by his side through the good and the bad. May we all have a moment of prayer for Gary, Dale and the entire Lynyrd Skynyrd family. My heart is completely broken. He was King of the Hop. Marvelous players are waiting on him in heaven. May we all Ride in Peace. -Doug Gray & The Marshall Tucker Band and crew.”
This was expected but still hard to believe. Great sadness has come upon me. He was a gentleman that held it all…
Posted by Marshall Tucker Band on Sunday, March 5, 2023
The Oak Ridge Boys also expressed their condolences over the loss of Rossington.
Our hearts go out tonight to our brothers in [Skynyrd],” the Oak Ridge Boys write. “Legendary guitarist Garry Rossington has passed,”
Our hearts go out tonight to our brothers in @Skynyrd …. Legendary guitarist Garry Rossington has passed … pic.twitter.com/wTJnTdjYmg
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) March 6, 2023
Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Rossington was not only a talented musician, but songwriter as well. Rossington penned several of the group’s hits, including “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man” and “What’s Your Name.”
Rossington was still performing with Lynyrd Skynyrd when he passed away. The group is scheduled to begin their co-headlining The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Touron July 21. Updates can be found at LynyrdSkynyrd.com.
Rossington is survived by his wife, Dale, and two daughters. Funeral services have yet to be announced. Everything Nash extends our deepest condolences to his family.
