7 Celebrities With Ties to Tennessee Who Passed Away in 2025
Tennessee has long been a home to musical legends, actors, and creative pioneers who shaped American culture. The state’s rich history in country music, soul, and entertainment has drawn countless talents to cities like Nashville and Memphis.
In 2025, we lost several beloved figures who left lasting marks on Tennessee and the world beyond.
1. Carl Dean
Behind every great star is often someone who chooses to stay out of the spotlight. Carl Dean, who married Dolly Parton in 1966, lived a quiet life in Nashville while his wife became one of country music’s biggest icons. He preferred running his asphalt-paving business and staying home to attending glitzy award shows.
Their 59-year marriage was built on mutual respect and giving each other space to be themselves. Dean rarely appeared in public with Dolly, but she often spoke about his steady support and dry sense of humor. When he passed away in Nashville in March 2025, the world mourned alongside the Queen of Country.
His legacy lives on through the love story that inspired countless songs and proved that true partnership doesn’t require constant public attention.
2. Melba Montgomery
Born in Iron City, Tennessee, Melba Montgomery started singing almost before she could walk. Her powerful voice and honest songwriting made her a standout in the male-dominated country music scene of the 1960s. She’s best remembered for her hit “No Charge,” a touching song about a mother’s unconditional love that became a crossover success.
Montgomery also recorded memorable duets with George Jones and Charlie Louvin, earning respect from Nashville’s toughest critics. Her ability to convey deep emotion through simple, relatable lyrics connected with audiences across generations. She continued performing well into her later years, never losing her passion for music.
When she died on January 15, 2025, the country music community lost a true pioneer who paved the way for female artists.
3. Mac Gayden
Few songwriters can claim they wrote a song that’s been covered over 100 times, but Mac Gayden could. He co-wrote “Everlasting Love,” which became a timeless classic recorded by everyone from Robert Knight to U2. His distinctive guitar work and songwriting skills made him a Nashville legend, even if his name wasn’t always in lights.
Gayden worked as a session musician and producer, contributing to countless recordings that defined the Nashville sound. He blended rock, country, and soul influences in ways that felt fresh and exciting. His creativity knew no boundaries, and other musicians deeply respected his innovative approach.
When he died on April 16, 2025, Nashville lost one of its most versatile and talented contributors to American music history.
4. Bill Byrge
With his distinctive look and perfect comedic timing, Bill Byrge became an unforgettable part of the Ernest movie franchise. He played Bobby, the lovable sidekick to Jim Varney’s Ernest P. Worrell, in films that defined family comedy in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His natural charm made even small roles memorable.
Byrge wasn’t a trained actor but a genuine personality who brought authenticity to every scene. His friendship with Varney extended beyond the screen, and their on-screen chemistry was rooted in real affection. Fans loved his down-to-earth presence and gentle humor.
He lived in Nashville for many years before his death on January 9, 2025. His work continues to bring smiles to new generations discovering the Ernest films for the first time.
5. Jeannie Seely
“Don’t Touch Me” wasn’t just Jeannie Seely’s signature song—it was a Grammy-winning declaration of independence that changed country music in 1966. Her powerful vocals and sophisticated songwriting set her apart from other female artists of her era. She became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1967, a position she treasured for nearly six decades.
Seely was known for her sharp wit, elegant stage presence, and unwavering dedication to traditional country music. She mentored younger artists and remained active in the Nashville community throughout her life. Her contributions extended beyond performing to advocating for artists’ rights and preserving country music history.
6. Steve Cropper
That iconic guitar riff on “Green Onions”? That was Steve Cropper, a founding member of Booker T. and the M.G.’s and a key architect of the Memphis soul sound. His clean, precise guitar work defined countless Stax Records hits, including Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay,” which Cropper co-wrote.
Cropper’s playing was never flashy but always exactly what the song needed. He understood that great session work meant serving the music, not showing off.
His death in Nashville in late 2025 closed a chapter on one of music’s most important eras, but his recordings will teach guitarists and songwriters for generations to come.
7. Isabelle Tate
At just 23 years old, Isabelle Tate had already made her mark on television with her role in “9-1-1: Nashville.” Raised in Tennessee, she brought authentic Southern charm to her performances and was considered a rising star with a bright future ahead. Her natural talent and warm personality made her a favorite among cast and crew.
Tate’s sudden death on October 19, 2025, shocked the entertainment industry and devastated her growing fanbase. She had spoken in interviews about her pride in representing Tennessee on screen and her hopes to bring more stories from her home state to national audiences.
Though her career was tragically cut short, the work she left behind shows the promise of what might have been. Her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and the fans who admired her talent.
