Pray for George Strait!
Country-music legend George Strait is in the midst of a profound loss. On the very same day, he lost two deeply important figures in his musical life: his longtime manager Erv Woolsey and his veteran band-member Gene Elders.
Woolsey, who had guided George’s career for about 45 years, passed away at age 80 on March 20, 2024, in Clearwater, Florida, following complications from surgery. acmcountry.com+3musicrow.com+3countrymusichalloffame.org+3 George posted from his official page: “My manager for around 45 years and most importantly my friend for even longer, Erv Woolsey … passed away this morning. He had complications from a surgery and just couldn’t overcome it. He was a very tough man, and fought hard, but sadly it was just too much. We will miss him so very much and will never forget all the time we had together. Won’t ever be the same without him.” georgestrait.com+1
Just hours later, Elders—a longtime member of George’s backing band Ace in the Hole Band (since 1984)—also passed away at age 66. Bluegrass Today+2Country Now+2 Elders had been the band’s fiddle and mandolin player and had previously logged 11 years with Lyle Lovett’s large band. Country Now George wrote: “Hard to believe we lost two of our music family members on the same day. Our Ace In the Hole treasured band-member Gene Elders passed away yesterday afternoon shortly after we lost Erv. All of our prayers go out to both families. Me and the band won’t ever be the same without our brother Gene. We loved him so much. Go play with Mike again Geno. We’ll come join you guys later.” KSAT+1
These are two monumental losses. Woolsey wasn’t just a manager; he discovered George when he was still performing in Texas bars and helped steer his career to superstardom. georgestrait.com+2musicrow.com+2 Elders, meanwhile, provided decades of loyal musicianship, contributing to both studio recordings and live performances that defined the Ace in the Hole Band’s sound.
For George, the impact will be deep. Losing a trusted friend and professional partner of nearly half-a-century on one hand, and a musical comrade who had been there for decades on the other, marks a turning point. In his tribute, George acknowledged that things will never be the same without them.
In the broader country-music world, the double loss echoes far beyond one artist. Woolsey helped shape not only George’s career but had influence across the genre; Elders’ fiddle and mandolin work supported major recordings. Their departures leave a gap.
For fans of George Strait, this means future performances will carry a palpable undertone of change and remembrance. The stage that once included Erv’s guidance and Gene’s fiddles will now reflect their absence. It’s a somber moment, but also a time for honoring legacy—of a manager who believed when others didn’t, and of a musician who contributed to the soundtrack of many lives.
In heartfelt honesty: this isn’t just music business news. It’s about people who stood by an icon through every high and low. It’s about friendship, artistry, and shared history. And when those two threads get pulled out at once, everything around them shifts.
George’s statement, concise but loaded, speaks volumes: he won’t ever be the same. And given what he’s lost, that’s completely understandable. The only question now is how the music, the shows, and the band move through this chapter.
If you like, I can pull up more: the full reactions from the country-music community, details of Woolsey’s and Elders’ careers, and how George is coping or planning ahead.