The Gambler songwriter Don Schlitz dead aged 73
Award-winning country songwriter Don Schlitz, whose work defined an era and shaped major artists’ careers, has died following a sudden illness in Nashville.
Don Schlitz, the influential country songwriter behind The Gambler, has died at the age of 73 after a sudden illness.
Raised in Durham, North Carolina, the musician passed away on Thursday (16.04.26) at a Nashville hospital, according to the Grand Ole Opry, with news of his death emerging on Sunday. (19.04.26)
The cause of his death is not yet known.
Over a career that helped shape the sound of modern country music, Don wrote hits for artists including Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis and The Judds, and was later inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Sarah Trahern, chief executive of the Country Music Association, said: “We are heartbroken by the news of the passing of Don Schlitz. Don loved his family, his home state of North Carolina and, above all, songs and songwriters. He carried that love into every room, every stage and every lyric he ever wrote. Not long ago, we shared a dinner, and as we were leaving, Don picked up a guitar and began to play. That is how I will always remember him, smiling and with a guitar in his hand. His legacy lives on through his music and the many artists and writers he inspired. He will be deeply missed.”
Kyle Young, chief executive of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said: “Don Schlitz’s place as a songwriting great would be secure had he never written The Gambler or had he only written The Gambler. Nashville was richer for his presence and is lesser for his absence.”
Don’s breakthrough came with The Gambler, recorded by Kenny in 1978, a song that expanded country music’s reach into the mainstream.
Kenny later said: “Don doesn’t just write songs. He writes careers.”
Don went on to write songs including On the Other Hand, Forever and Ever, Amen and When You Say Nothing at All, recorded by Keith Whitley and later by Alison Krauss.
In 2017, speaking about his induction honours, Don said: “I will never be able to believe that I deserve this, unless I receive it as a representative of my family, my mentors, my collaborators, my promoters and my friends. That’s the only way I can deal with this.”
Don was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year for four consecutive years from 1988 to 1991, and became the only non-performing songwriter inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in a century, debuting there in 2017 before becoming a member in 2022.
Don is survived by his wife, Stacey, his children and grandchildren – daughter Cory Dixon and her husband Matt Dixon, son Pete Schlitz and his wife Christian Webb Schlitz, grandchildren Roman, Gia, Isla and Lilah, brother Brad Schlitz and his sister Kathy Hinkley.
