Country Singer Ed Bruce Who Co-Wrote 'Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys' Dies at 81

Ed Bruce.Photo: David Redfern/Redferns

Iconic country star Ed Bruce has died. He was 81.

Bruce died of natural causes Friday, PEOPLE confirms. Throughout his decades-long career, he had become widely known as a country music legend with several hit songs, including all-time classic “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” which he co-wrote with his then-wife Patsy Bruce before the pair ultimately divorced in 1987. In 1982, he released “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had,” featuring Lynn Anderson and it became country’s No. 1 hit. The song charted for 21 weeks.

Stars began sharing their heartfelt condolences for Bruce soon after news of his death broke.

Blake Sheltonwrote on Twitter, “Just hearing that Ed Bruce passed away … What a standalone voice he had. He’ll be remembered for his many talents including acting and maybe most important his songwriting … Rest In Peace cowboy. I’m not loving 2021 so far.”

Ed Bruce.Kirk West/Getty

In 1962, the star wrote “Save Your Kisses” for pop singer Tommy Roe. The following year, Bruce landed his first spot on theBillboardBubbling Under chart with his recording of “See the Big Man Cry.”

In the ’80s, Bruce hosted showsTruckin' USAandAmerican Sports Cavalcade.He was presented with a lifetime achievement award from the Arkansas Country Music Association in 2018.

source: people.com