Outlaw country legend David Allan Coe has passed away at the age of 86. Born on September 6, 1939, in Akron, Ohio, he died on April 29, 2026, at approximately 5:00 p.m., leaving behind a legacy as one of the most uncompromising and influential figures in country music history.
His widow, Kimberly Hastings Coe, shared a heartfelt tribute, calling him “one of the best singers, songwriters, and performers of our time,” and remembering him as her husband, friend, and confidant. She expressed her hope that his legacy will never be forgotten.
Coe’s life was as rugged and unconventional as the music he created. After a difficult youth marked by time in reform schools and prison, he arrived in Nashville in 1967 determined to make his mark. With little more than a hearse and a dream, he forged a career that would help define the outlaw country movement, standing apart for his authenticity and fearless storytelling.
Throughout his career, Coe penned and performed songs that became cornerstones of the genre. He wrote “Take This Job and Shove It,” made famous by Johnny Paycheck, and “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone),” a hit for Tanya Tucker. His own recordings, including “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” “The Ride,” and “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile,” showcased his distinctive voice and storytelling power. He also recorded “Tennessee Whiskey” before later renditions by George Jones and Chris Stapleton brought it wider acclaim.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Hastings Coe, and his children, Tyler Mahan Coe and Tanya Coe. David Allan Coe’s legacy endures as a true original—an artist who lived and sang on his own terms.
