Country music world heartbroken as list of deaths hits 25: Here's who we lost in 2026

Country music fans are mourning a growing list of deaths in 2026, with 25 stars reported dead so far and two additional names recently added. Don Adams Adams, a singer-songwriter and longtime band member for Johnny Paycheck and George Jones, died Feb. 1 at age 85 after battling cancer “off and on” for a couple of years, according to Saving Country Music. Adams was born in Greenfield, Ohio, coming from a family of musicians and forming The Adams Brothers. Brian Burns, 57, died as well; his wife Veronica announced it July 4, 2026 via Facebook.