Strait wrote, “It’s hard to fathom that we’ve lost two of our beloved music family on the same day. Gene Elders, our prized member of the Ace In the Hole band, passed away yesterday afternoon, just after we lost Erv. Our prayers are with their families. The band and I will feel a tremendous void without our brother Gene. He was dearly loved. Go play with Mike again, Geno. We’ll join you when it’s time.”

A personal message from George Strait accompanied this post on his social media platform.

Gene Elders, hailing from Austin, Texas, joined Strait’s Ace In the Hole band in 1984. Known for his skills with the fiddle and mandolin, Elders brought a unique sound to the band. Before his time with Strait, he spent 11 years with Lyle Lovett’s Large Band.

Ervine Woolsey, whom Strait referred to as “my friend for even longer,” was one of Nashville, Tennessee’s most celebrated managers. Woolsey, unfortunately, passed due to complications from surgery. In Strait’s words, “He faced complications from a surgery and just couldn’t overcome them. Erv was a fighter, but it proved too much in the end.”

Another heartfelt message shared by George Strait on social media.

Fans of Strait offered their sympathies, noting the impact both Elders and Woolsey had on the music world. “I can hardly believe it,” expressed one fan. “So many memorable moments, so many years of incredible music. We are thinking of you all.” Another remembered, “I cherished Gene’s fiddle playing in your songs.”