A number of country artists paid tribute to singer/songwriter Mac Davis, 78, who passed away on Sept. 29 after heart surgery.

Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Travis Tritt, Jake Owen and more shared their messages of love and remembrance via social media and statements.

Travis Tritt via Twitter: “Very sad tonight! I just heard that legendary singer, songwriter and actor, Mac Davis has passed away after heart surgery. I grew up watching The Mac Davis show and loving his talent. This is heartbreaking!”

Reba McEntire via statement: “Thank you, dear Lord Jesus, for letting us know the man to whom you gave the most incredible talent. He entertained and spread joy to so many people. What a wonderful legacy he left all of us with his music. Mac was one of a kind. I’m so blessed to have been one of his many friends.”

Kenny Chesney via statement: “I met Mac as a young artist just starting out on my journey, when he was already a legend and a songwriting hero to me. He welcomed me into his home and turned that tremendous creative light on me. Even though he’d written ‘In the Ghetto’ for Elvis and had so many incredible hits of his own, he made me feel like what I was doing mattered. A small-town boy who’d achieved the greatest kind of fame, he remained a good guy, a family man. That was Mac: a giant heart, quick to laugh and a bigger creative spirit. I was blessed to have it shine on me. And Mac, who was joyous, funny and created a family around him never stopped writing great songs, creating music and inspiring everyone around him. He loved his wife Lise and his kids and all kinds of people. He kept in touch, always a kind word, a new joke or a piece of song he was working on, which made him a blessing to everyone who came into his life.”

TG Sheppard via Twitter: “Totally broken-hearted that my dear friend Mac Davis left for home this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with his incredible wife Lise and their family. Gone but never forgotten.”

BJ Thomas via Twitter: “Very sad day. RIP Mac Davis. What a great guy. So sorry for the family. He was a good one. A great one! BJ”

Oak Ridge Boys via Twitter: “Another tough loss in 2020 … one of the greatest singer, songwriters and entertainers in our lifetime has gone home … he was a solid example of goodness … goodbye Mac … thanks for everything”

Jake Owen via Twitter: “I am heartbroken this morning learning of the passing of my friend Mac Davis. He was an incredible songwriter and guitar player. He’d penned songs for Elvis to Avicii. More importantly, he was a great husband and a father. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Love ya Mac”

Lee Greenwood via statement: “There’s no way to express the grief that we feel about Mac Davis. The entertainment industry will miss this great talent and beautiful American. We pray for his family and those that love him”

T. Graham Brown: via statement: “I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Mac Davis. I met him at Vince Gill’s golf tournament and I saw him at that same event for several years. He was always fun and funny! What a songwriter.  “In The Ghetto” is one of the best songs ever! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. God Bless.”

Alabama’s Jeff Cook via statement: “Mac was a great singer, songwriter and all around entertainer. He will be missed by many.”

Ricky Skaggs via statement: “I was saddened to hear about Mac Davis’ passing. He was a great talent and a lot of fun to be around. I got to know him while producing the White Limozeen album for Dolly Parton. Condolences to his family for their loss.”

Ray Stevens via statement: “I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Mac Davis. Mac has been a friend since way back in Atlanta when we both first started out as kids. Rest in peace, Mac.”

Larry Gatlin via statement: “Mac Davis was a Texan. That’s a good place to start. He was one of the very best singer-songwriter-entertainers…ever! He was funny. Very funny! He was a good golfer. He always thought he could beat me and he did beat me, about half the time, which helped make for a great friendship. Last night, he did beat me. He beat me to heaven. See ya later, old friend. I miss ya already.”