Mindy McCready

It's more tragic when it's unexpected, as is the case with these country singers who died before their time.

They have known the pain they sing about.

The best country songs about being a strong woman all have a certain independent spirit in common.

Mindy McCready's career was as promising as anyone could dream when she released "Ten Thousand Angels" to country radio in 1996.

The short, turbulent life of country singer Mindy McCready is the subject of a new musical that is set to open in Los Angeles in May.

2013 was full of tragedy, surprises and celebration -- it seemed a new jaw-dropping news event took place just about every month in country music. Five events make the final cut as nominees for the Headline of the Year Award at the 2014 Taste of Country Awards. Which do you think should win?

Mindy McCready's 7-year-old son Zander is coming home to live with his father. Billy McKnight was involved in a lengthy custody dispute that wrapped up last Friday (July 12), with a decision to let the boy live with the Florida-based singer and his new wife.

A man who claims country singer Mindy McCready was "like a sister" to him is raising questions about why her 7-year-old son Zander is still in foster care in Arkansas, instead of back in Florida with his father, Billy McKnight.

'American Idol' standout Kree Harrison has been doing a fantastic job on the singing competition, receiving rave reviews from many people, including some of music's greats. Before her face graced the television screens of millions, the late Mindy McCready had already recognized the young singer's talents.

It was nothing but good times at the 1997 ACM Awards. LeAnn Rimes was returning as the reigning New Artist of the Year, Mindy McCready was red hot and Terri Clark was amidst a string of Top 10 singles to begin her career. The three country ladies got together for this photo opp, which Clark shared on her Twitter page the day after McCready died in February 2013.