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John Anderson attended the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Nashville with fellow musicians just days before his death at 71.
The late country music legend was photographed at the induction ceremony at the CMA Theater on Sunday, where Tim McGraw was inducted.
In photos from the event, which he attended with his wife, Jamie, Anderson appeared to be in high spirits as he posed for snaps with McGraw and other singers.
Following Anderson’s shock passing, the “I Like It, I Love It,” singer took to Instagram and shed light on his final moments with the late star.
“I was talking with John Sunday night at the HOF ceremony,” McGraw wrote on Instagram, alongside a backstage photo of the pair.
“He was in such good spirits. We talked, we laughed, we sang his songs that I loved so much together, just goofing off.”
McGraw shared that he is “completely heartbroken” over Anderson’s death and praised his everlasting influence on the country music industry.
“There will never be a stylist in music, any music, that was so defining as his. It’s just devastating.”
McGraw concluded, “All of our love goes out to his family and the country music community. He was and is one of the defining voices in country music. So great. I am completely shook.”
Other pictures from the event show Anderson in deep conversation with Ricky Skaggs and smiling with Dean Dillon.
Country singer Parker McCollum shared a similar sentiment about his experience with Anderson at the annual event, noting it was the first time they met.
“I literally just met him on Sunday night,” McCollum said. “Cannot believe this. An absolute legend and one of the greatest to ever do it. Beyond grateful to have had the chance to shake his hand.”
As Page Six previously reported, Anderson died peacefully in his sleep at his home Wednesday, according to a statement released by his representatives, Absolute Publicity.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend,” his family said in the statement.
“To the world, he was a gifted country music singer whose voice and songs touched countless lives. To us, he was so much more.”
His family and representatives have not publicly disclosed an official cause of death.
Anderson signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1976 and quickly got the attention of the music industry by blending traditional country and folk influences.
His breakthrough came in 1983, when “Swingin’” sold more than a million copies and earned him the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award and Single of the Year.
In 2024, Anderson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame himself, alongside Toby Keith and guitarist James Burton.
He is survived by his wife, Jamie, daughters Alexa and Brionna, and their families.