Randy Travis Shares Statement on the Passing of Don Schlitz

Randy Travis offered a statement on the passing of Don Schlitz. He writes as follows:

“As I try to write a proper tribute to Don Schlitz, I’m reminded of the genius that came with him in writing—he was always there to fill in the blanks or toss a #1 idea across the table to complete a story. Our cherished friendship began early in my career when Don mentioned to the label that he didn’t really want such a great written song like ‘On The Other Hand’ going to the new guy, Randy Travis! Other much bigger names had passed on it, and I told him I would do my best with it… It all turned out okay, as did several others that followed. We laughed about that for years!

“Personally, Don was a dear and treasured friend. Professionally, he was a great catalyst in my career. Don could turn an ordinary moment in life into a lyrical masterpiece that filled our hearts and souls with happiness, hope, and healing. His legacy will be etched into the sands of time as one of the greatest wordsmiths of all time. Over the last several years, as Don became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, I smiled knowing that so many were already there, including myself, because of Don Schlitz—his dash is filled with the hymns of country music.

“Mary and I keep Stacey and the family in prayers of peace, understanding, and strength as they send the greatest of all time to the writer’s round in heaven. I love you, Don Schlitz—forever and ever, Amen! I’ll be seeing you ‘round the bend, my friend. And, remember there’s a cup full of dimes on top of the Coke machine!!”

Don Schlitz and Randy Travis share membership in the Grand Ole Opry and induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. “Forever and Ever, Amen,” penned by Schlitz and Paul Overstreet, and recorded by Travis, is largely considered one of the Greatest Country Songs of All Time (Billboard, Rolling Stone, Grand Ole Opry, Apple Music, SiriusXM).