It’s been a rough year for The King.

After losing two important “music family members,” Erv Woolsey and Gene Elders (who died just hours apart earlier this year), George Strait and his team have suffered yet another tragedy with the news of his longtime tour manager, Tom Foote’s, passing on April 29th.

Tom first jumped on board with George back in 1975 when he helped the “Amarillo By Morning” singer become the new frontman for a band that was then named Stoney Ridge. Before playing their first show together with the man who went on to become one of the greatest country artists of all time, the group renamed themselves, “Ace In The Hole Band.”

Although Foote only played drums for Strait until 1983, he held the title of his tour manager all the way up until his death earlier this week.

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George took to Instagram to announce the news and released a heartfelt statement in the caption, honoring his longtime friend:

“We lost another one of our good friends and a huge part of our musical journey yesterday. Tom Foote, our one-time drummer and long-time road manager for around 48 years, suddenly passed away at his home after our rehearsal.

The band and I were with him most of the afternoon and he was great. Just doing what he loved to do which was making sure we were taken care of. 2024 is taking its toll on the Ace in the Hole group. We’re all heartbroken to say the least. Rest in peace brother Tom. You will be hugely missed. I’ll see you down the road amigo. -gs“