Don Schlitz, the country songwriter who created such classic songs as “The Gambler,” has died. He was 73 years old.
The North Carolina native died Thursday at a Nashville hospital after what the Grand Ole Opry described as a sudden illness. The cause of death was not immediately known.
“We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Don Schlitz. Don loved his family, his home state of North Carolina, and most of all, his songs and songwriters,” Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern said in a statement Friday.
“He brought that love into every room, every stage, and every lyric he ever wrote.
“A while ago, we had dinner and on the way home Don picked up his guitar and started playing. I will always remember him just like that, guitar in hand and smiling. His legacy lives on through his music and the many artists and writers he influenced. He will be sorely missed.”
Echoing that sentiment, Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said, “Don Schlitz’s status as a great songwriter would be secure if he hadn’t written ‘The Gambler,’ or if he had only written ‘The Gambler.’ Nashville was richer for his presence and less rich for his absence. ”
Schlitz helped shape the sound and soul of artists like Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, and the Judds.
His lyrics provided the impetus for hits such as “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever Amen,” and “When You Say Nothing at All,” recorded by Keith Whitley and later by Alison Krauss.
Schlitz was born in 1952 and grew up in Durham before packing up and heading to Nashville.
The country star was later inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“I will never believe that I deserve this award unless I accept it on behalf of my family, mentors, collaborators, promoters and friends. That’s the only way I can deal with this,” he said in 2017.
His breakout moment came in 1978 with “The Gambler,” which Rodgers recorded. This song didn’t just define an era;
This expanded the reach of country music into the mainstream.
Rodgers later praised Schlitz, saying, “Don doesn’t just write songs. He writes careers.”
Schlitz went on to write songs for artists ranging from Tanya Tucker to Mary Chapin Carpenter, and even reunited Rodgers with Dolly Parton for “You Can’t Make Old Friends.”
Despite his behind-the-scenes role, Schlitz earned a front-row spot in country music history.
He was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year four years in a row from 1988 to 1991, making him the only non-performer in Opry history in a century.
He made his debut there in 2017 and joined as a member in 2022, a rare honor that highlighted his influence far beyond the spotlight.
The Opry’s Saturday night show was dedicated to his accomplishments.
Schlitz is survived by his wife, Stacy, his children, and his grandson, daughter Corey Dixon and her husband Matt Dixon. son Pete Schlitz and wife Christian Webb Schlitz; grandchildren Roman, Gia, Isla and Lila; brother Brad Schlitz; and sister, Kathy Hinckley.
