Legendary country music artist Earl Thomas Conley died Wednesday morning. He was 77 years old.

The news came via country singer Blake Shelton's Facebook page on which he penned a heartfelt announcement regarding Conley's passing, saying "Earl was my all time favorite singer, hero and my friend."

Conley, an Ohio native, was known for hit songs, such as "Holding Her and Loving You" and "Right From the Start."