Trace Adkins' father has died. Aaron Doyle Adkins, a former mill worker, is remembered as a quiet and hardworking man who bestowed his love of country music on his oldest son. He died on Saturday (Feb. 1) at the age of 71. 

Trace also credits his father for his tireless work ethic.

Aaron Adkins' passing comes just days after the singer left a Florida rehabilitation facility to be by his side. Music Row reported the news. Trace has yet to comment, but wife Rhonda thanked fans for their support early Monday morning.

"Thank you for all of your love, prayers and support," she says. "Sometimes we don't know where our journey will take us but I know he has a plan."

In interviews, Trace has lovingly recounted how his father was not a man you questioned. Aaron gave specific orders or suggestions, and you obeyed. There was no arguing what type of music you listened to, either.

"Growing up, I listened to everything that my daddy owned in his collection of country music," Trace once told GAC. "Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Jerry Reed, Buck Owens -- those legendary guys that were hot back then. He had all that stuff, and that's most of what I listened to."

Aaron Adkins was especially proud of Trace when he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2003. He's survived by Peggy, his wife of 53 years, two sons, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He's preceded in death by son Scott, who died in a truck accident at the age of 21.

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