The Grammy-winning country music legend and longtime representative of the roots of American music, Marty Stuart announced very emotional and heartbreaking news that shocked the world of country music and made everyone mourning and contemplating.
Now 65 years old, Stuart confessed that his legendary wife Connie Smith is fighting a severe health battle that has severely transformed their lives and silenced one of the most adorable voices in country music.
At present, Connie Smith, a 82-year old singer can be classified as one of the most influential singers in the history of the country music by women. She came to prominence in the 1960s with the single
breakthrough When I Think of Home, by 1969 she became a shrine of the traditional country sound, and not only the sound, but also a spiritual belief and honesty that were admired by the growing number of
her admirers. Throughout the course of her 60-year career she released dozens of albums, became Grammy nominated, and made an influence on the work of generations of performers, including Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.
However, nowadays, the woman who once was called the female George Jones is no longer acting on the stage. Her health was reported to be deteriorating over the recent years, although the nature of the illness remains undisclosed, since the couple respects their privacy, people who are in close relations with them explain that the case is both emotionally heavy and spiritually humbling.
During one of the recent chats with close friends Marty stated, oh, she no longer does that. Yet she sings, none the less. Softly. At home, she is well enough to get around. I even hear her sing hymns and old tunes in her mind when she believes that nobody pays attention. Connie, she loves music–it goes into her veins.”
And more well known as one of the most loving and respectful couples in country music, Stuart and Smith married in 1997 after years of friendship and admiration of each other. They are united because of
their faith, ethnicity, and strong belief in music. Although she gives up being in the spotlight, Connie continues, according to Marty, to be the spiritual guide of their household.
She is the most powerful and courageous individual that I have ever met, said he. We head it one day, at a time. There are those that are better off than others. Each and every is a present.”
Faith is an absolute item in their Nashville home. They can deal with the hard days through the bible readings, silent prayer, and hymns. Even the pain cannot keep Marty off insisting that there is some beauty to find. She may no longer sing in a concert hall, but she sings in this house. And that is sufficient to me.”
The coming out has elicited a strong gesture among the fans and other musicians. There has been an outpour of love and support messages all over the world. Scores have tweeted and posted on Facebook
reminiscing about Connie performances describing her as a national treasure and voice of cleanliness in country music. There is also grassroots online campaign to give her lifetime achievement award, as fans hope to make her contribution appreciated enough before she passes away.
Close friend, fellow musician and Ricky Skaggs declared, Connie made me hear country music differently. And charm of voice is also nothing in comparison with the charm of heart in her. I think the way Marty loves her is something that we all want to learn how to love.”
Even in the sadness Marty is determined to look on the bright side. It was not good bye, he said. It is not closing of a chapter. It is going to be an occasion to celebrate the legacy of Connie not only as an actress but as a woman, a man of integrity, strength, and faith.
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 29: Musician Marty Stuart performs onstage during day 2 of 2023 Stagecoach Festival on April 29, 2023 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach)
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He said, you are the closest to God when you accompany someone in his or her darkest times. What I have known of love I have known in such silent gentle ways as this, and never on a stage.”
Yes, the journey before is still a mystery, but one thing is definite, Connie Smith will always live on, not just because of the notes she sang but the lives she touched, and in the heart of her long-time admirer.
With the world still keeping her in its prayers, and as she happens to be celebrating one day at a time Marty is doing it with love, singing, and the irrevocable feeling that Connie Smith is bound to be even an illumining luminary in the crown of country music.
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