Country singer Melba Montgomery, best known for her duets with George Jones, Gene Pitney, and Charlie Louvin, has passed away at the age of 86.
Her daughter, Melissa Solomon Barrett, shared the news of her death in a Facebook post on Wednesday, January 15.
“It is with great sadness that we announce our family has lost our mother, Melba Montgomery Solomon. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister to my uncle, sister-in-law to my aunts and aunt to my cousins. She fought a long battle with dementia but is now with her loving husband, Jack Solomon in Heaven. We know mom has been waiting to hold dad for over 10 years. We will provide visitation and funeral arrangements as we learn more in the coming days. Thank you for loving our mom as much as we have. She was an incredibly talented, kind and generous woman.”
Melissa Solomon Barrett, Jackie Solomon Chancey, Tara Solomon Capps, and Diane Holt
Melba Montgomery was born in 1938 in Iron City, Tennessee, and raised in Florence, Alabama. She began performing with her family at a young age, learning to play guitar and developed a love for country and bluegrass.
Montgomery’s big break came in the early 1960s when she won a talent contest that led to her partnership with George Jones. Together, they released a string of successful duets, including the hit “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds,” which became a classic.
In addition to her collaborations, Montgomery enjoyed a solo career, releasing chart-topping songs like “No Charge,” a poignant ballad that resonated deeply with audiences. Throughout her career, she recorded over 30 studio albums and remained a beloved figure in the country music community.
Montgomery’s influence extended beyond her recordings, as she helped pave the way for women in country music, inspiring generations of artists with her authenticity and artistry.
Over the years, per People, artists such as Sara Evans, Patty Loveless, Travis Tritt, and Terri Clark recorded Melba Montgomery’s songs. In 2000, George Strait achieved a No. 4 hit with “What Do You Say to That,” a song she co-wrote.
Montgomery was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Solomon, whom she married in 1968. The couple shared a lifelong bond until his passing in 2014 at the age of 71.
She is survived by her brother, Earl, and her daughters: Jackie Solomon Chancey, Tara Solomon Capps, Diana Lynn Cirigliano, and Melissa Solomon Barrett. Montgomery also leaves behind five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, according to The New York Times.
Rest In Peace.
