Joe Diffie, one of the most popular country artists of the ’90s and early 2000s, died Sunday, two days after announcing that he was being treated for coronavirus, according to cmt.com. He was 61.

He charted a No. 1 hit with his first single, “Home,” in 1990.

Other chart-topping singles include “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets),” “Third Rock From the Sun,” “Pickup Man,” and “Bigger Than the Beatles.” He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1993 and appeared there in 2019 for the induction of Luke Combs, who cited him as an inspiration.

One of the finest traditionalists of his era, as heard on “Ships That Don’t Come In” from 1992, Diffie nonetheless built his career on lighthearted songs such as “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die)” from 1993, and “John Deere Green,” from 1994. Between 1990 and 2000 he charted 16 Top 10 hits on Epic Records. In 2002 he rebounded on Monument Records with the Top 10 single, “In Another World.”

The country music world reacted Sunday night. Collin Raye said, “I am deeply saddened at the news of Joe Diffie’s death. He and I were labelmates on Sony Epic Records for many years. We worked together a lot over the years. I can honestly say that Joe was one of the truly good guys in our business. A real gentleman, and obviously, one of the greatest Country Music singers who ever lived. His records, ‘Home’ and ‘Ships That Don’t Come In’ are among my favorite records of all time. I am honored, and humbled, to have known him. May God Bless and comfort Joe’s family and welcome him into Eternity. We’ll miss you, Brother.”

Aaron Tippin said, “I am in total shock and disbelief at the passing of my friend, tourmate and Country legend, Joe Diffie. My heart is broken and I’m praying for his family and for our country as we deal with this horrible pandemic. You will be missed, Joe. Rest in Peace.”