Fans of Mindy McCreary were shocked to learn the country singer had died of an apparent suicide at her home in Heber Springs, Ark., on Sunday, Feb. 17. In the wake of her passing, the musician’s celebrity friends and admirers expressed their grief via statements to Us Weekly.
McCready, 37, is survived by her two sons, Zander, 6, and Zayne, 9 months. The boys were removed from her home on Feb. 6, just three weeks after the singer’s boyfriend, David Wilson, died at age 34. The cause of Wilson’s death is still under investigation.
“I am so sad about Mindy,” CMT’s Katie Cooke tells Us. “To hear this news today was simply heartbreaking. I decided to spend the night watching old videos of Mindy and trying to remember her when her future was bright and full of promise. Her poor children will never know what she was like then and how she had so much potential. May she rest in peace now without all the troubles and pain.”
America’s Next Top Model: All Stars winner Lisa D’Amato, who appeared on season 3 of VH1’s Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew alongside McCready, adds, “She was my friend. She has an amazing sense of humor and great spirit. But she’s also a pro at seeming just fine at the surface but she has a lot of demons. Half my cast from Celebrity Rehab are dead. I’m devastated.”
Storme Warren, host of Headline Country on GAC and The Highway on SiriusXM, tells Us, “I first met Mindy in 1995, shortly before she launched her double-platinum debut album Ten Thousand Angels. As we became friends I was amazed not only by her talent but her infectious care-free confidence. As the years passed, it became obvious that that confident facade masked a very troubled soul. I had great optimism last year when she made steps toward healthy personal choices and a potential career comeback. Needless to say, I’m very saddened by her death. My prayers go out to her children and the rest of her family and friends.”
Other celebrities shared their memories of the late “Guys Do It All the Time” singer via Twitter.
Carrie Underwood: “I grew up listening to Mindy McCready.. So sad for her family tonight. Many prayers are going out to them.”
Jason Aldean: “Just heard about Mindy McCready. My thoughts and prayers are with her two boys and her family.”
LeAnn Rimes: “My heart goes out to Mindy McCready’s family. I knew her well. It’s a horribly tragedy. May peace be with her sons.”
Wynonna Judd: “Oh my! Mindy. Dear sweet girl. This is so sad. It just breaks my heart what addiction continues to take from this life. Addiction is a disease and not a character flaw. When the pain becomes too much, it causes people to want that pain to stop. This is just so unbelievable & so sad. God be with the family and those babies. Surround them with your grace and mercy. Sleep in Heavenly peace, Mindy.”
Hillary Scott: “My heart is breaking hearing of the loss of Mindy McCready. Pray for her two precious little boys. May God’s peace and protection be on them!”
John Rich: “Very sad to hear about Mindy McCready. When I was in Lonestar she was our label mate and we were friends. A tragic end to a talented life.”
Chely Wright: “Really really sad to learn the news about Mindy McCready. I will pray for her children and I hope that people are gentle with her memory.”
