Country ACM Award Winner & Star Dead At 70
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade. She holds a BA in politics and an MA in Communications. Her passions include music, animals, Disney, iced coffee, summer, and bad reality TV, especially Housewives and Vanderpump Rules.
An ACM (Academy of Country Music) winner and star has tragically passed away at the tender age of seventy. So, who was it, how did they die, and has the music world reacted to this passing? Keep reading for more details on what transpired.
ACM Award Winner & Star Dead At 70
It is always sad when someone passes away, and it feels like they are only getting younger and younger as the days go by. Seventy is relatively young in this day and age, and it is never easy to lose someone who has done so much for the industry. Such is the case with hit country songwriter Walt Aldridge. He passed away on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, yet the reason is unknown. All that has been revealed is that Walt had been suffering from an undisclosed sickness. He wrote music for such legends as Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, and Travis Tritt.
Walt was also the frontman for a band in the eighties, The Shooters, but his main gig was songwriting. His biggest and most well-known song was one he penned for Ronnie Milsap. It was called “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me,” and was a fan favorite. Walt last appeared at the 2024 ACM Awards to pick up the Poet’s Award as he had given so much to the country industry. After his fans and followers learned of his passing, they were completely devastated. They immediately headed over to social media to share their thoughts and memories of Walt.
However, those who knew of Walt also noted that he and The Shooters should have been far more successful than they were. It was believed that they never saw the type of fame they were warranted, which may have been true. Yet, did he just want to write songs, or did he want to be a frontman? It is too late to ask him now. More so, what really fulfilled him as he seemed to do everything well.
A Sad Day
Interestingly enough, Walt Aldridge passed away on the same day as the CMA Awards aired. Yet, no one seemingly knew that he had passed away at the time. Regardless, many were brokenhearted to learn the news and posted tributes honoring the country legend:
- Walt Aldridge just passed away. he was my college professor and damn good song writer.
- Songwriting legend, Walt Aldridge has died. The Master of DADGAD. The Deep Well. Safe travels, my friend. To paraphrase your brilliant song: There ain’t no getting over you
- Walt Aldridge a legend, the GOAT, teacher, mentor, producer, songwriter’s songwriter and the King of Muscle Shoals in that regard. I’m thankful for the writes, the wisdom and the stages he allowed me to share with you. Rest easy sir, you’ve earned it
Walt leaves behind his wife, two daughters, and nine grandchildren, as well as a fulfilling legacy. Finally, do you have a favorite song of his that he wrote? Let us know in the comments, and may his journey be peaceful.
