2017 saw the loss of several key figures in country music, and one of the most shocking deaths in recent memory.

The deaths in country music in 2017 included influential country songwriters, two members of the same legendary band and a number of celebrated musicians who were key players in the careers of other musicians. We also saw the loss of several all-time country greats who were elder statesmen of the genre, as well as the tragic early death of a country star who was considered a personal friend to many in country music.

Scroll through the photos below to look back on the lives and careers of all of the country artists who have died in 2017:

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