Legendary songwriter and radio host Bill Mack has passed away. Bill, perhaps best known for writing “Blue,” which became a major hit for LeAnn Rimes, was 88 years old when he passed away, after contracting COVID-19.

“I’m deeply saddened to tell you that my Dad passed away early this morning due to COVID-19 with underlying conditions,” Bill’s son, Billy Mack Smith, announced on social media. “He was an amazing father, grandfather, great grandfather and husband to my mom. I’m blessed to have had not only a great dad but my best friend as well.”

I’m deeply saddened to tell you that my Dad passed away early this morning due to COVID-19 with underlying conditions. He was an amazing father, grandfather, great grandfather and husband to my mom. I’m blessed to have had not only a great dad but my best friend as well. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Bub4Q2C02n

— Billy Mack (@BillyMackRadio) July 31, 2020

In addition to “Blue,” which earned Bill a Grammy, CMA Award and ACM Award, the tunesmith wrote songs for numerous other artists, including George Jones, Ray Price, Jerry Lee Lewis and Dean Martin, among others. He also had a song, “Drinking Champagne,” which was recorded by George Strait, and included on his 1990 Livin’ It Up album.

LeAnn spoke out about Bill’s death on social media.

“2020 has claimed another one of the greats,” she posted, along with a throwback photo of the two. “Very sad to hear the news that Bill Mack has left us. I am forever grateful for him and the music he created. Sending all my love to his family. We’ll be ‘Blue’ without you Bill.”

2020 has claimed another one of the greats. Very sad to hear the news that Bill Mack has left us. I am forever grateful for him and the music he created. Sending all my love to his family. We’ll be ‘Blue’ without you Bill 💙 pic.twitter.com/LMJO4NQPpz

— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) July 31, 2020

Bill also had a successful career as a radio DJ, best known for his Country Roads Show on Fort Worth’s  AM radio station WBAP. The show later became known as the Midnight Cowboy Trucking Show. He also hosted the popular Country Crossroads radio show,

“Nobody in broadcasting has a more recognizable voice than Bill Mack,” a statement reads on the Texas Heritage Association’s website. He has been heard on radio, seen on television, heard on records and featured in various publications for years. Bill has been closely associated with the truckers and millions of other listeners via his radio programs out of the Fort Worth-Dallas Metroplex since 1969, broadcasting during the wee hours of the morning and keeping the world company with his music and chit-chat that has allowed him to be featured in more publications and to win more awards than any other country music DJ. in the world.”

Bill is also a member of the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame. In addition to his son, Billy, he is survived by two daughters, Misty Dawn and Sunday Renee, along with his wife, Cynthia.