K.T. Oslin, “Country Music Icon,” Has Passed Away At Age 78

Country singer-songwriter K.T. Oslin, who didn’t get her “big break” until she was 45 years old, has passed away at the age of 78 on Monday (Dec. 21).

Oslin was best known for her 1987 anthem “80’s Ladies,” as well as her number one songs “Do Ya,” “I’ll Always Come Back,” and “Hold Me,” which won two Grammy Awards. Oslin also hit number one as a guest singer on Alabama’s 1988 song “Face to Face.”

Before her breakout into country singing, Oslin had a successful songwriting career, penning songs for Anne Murray,  Trudy Lynn, The Forester Sisters, Dorothy Moore, Aimee Comeaux, and Dusty Springfield. Additionally, Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan recorded a duet version of her song “Do Ya” in 2017.

In recent years, Oslin had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and was living in an assisted living home. Music Row reports that she was diagnosed with COVID-19 just last week, but it’s not clear if it contributed to her passing.

Members of the country music community took to Twitter to address her passing. Charlie Daniels’ son, Charlie Daniels Jr. called her a “country music icon,” while Travis Tritt called her “a brilliant songwriter and a helluva lady.”

See their reactions below.

Charlie Daniels Jr.

Chely Wright

Travis Tritt

Jeannie Seely

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.