Country music has lost one of its most influential songwriters. Don Schlitz, best known for writing the iconic hit “The Gambler,” has died at the age of 73.
Schlitz passed away at a Nashville hospital following a sudden illness. A member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters in the genre’s history.
His work includes a long list of classics recorded by artists such as Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, The Judds, and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Among his most celebrated songs are “The Gambler,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” and “On the Other Hand.” He also wrote “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” which reunited Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton for a duet years after their earlier collaborations.
“The Gambler” remains his most famous composition, earning both a Grammy Award and CMA Song of the Year honors, and becoming one of country music’s defining songs.
Throughout his career, Schlitz received numerous accolades, including multiple ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, CMA and ACM honors, and two Grammy wins. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993.
Beyond his achievements, Schlitz was remembered for his kindness and generosity, with many in the music community paying tribute to his character as well as his talent.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings.