They say death comes in threes, and if this week is any indication, then that theory may have some truth to it.
First Stan Lee, then Katherine MacGregor, and now the Associated Press just reported the passing of country music legend Roy Clark.
The beloved entertainer, who was best known as the co-host of the long-running variety show Hee Haw, was 85 years old.
A publicist confirmed the sad news, revealing that Clark died at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from complications related to pneumonia.
The singer and comedian became a household name after taking on hosting duties for Hee Haw's entire 24-year run. Although the show ended in 1993, re-runs continued to air in the years that followed.
Clark also had a string of hits in the 60s and 70s, including "Tips of My Fingers," "Yesterday When I Was Young," "Thank God and Greyhound," and "Honeymoon Feeling." Throughout his decades-long career, he won multiple awards, including seven CMA Awards and was named Entertainer of the Year in 1973.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Clark played the banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, and a slew of other instruments. He played with the Boston Pops orchestra and was a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
In addition to hosting his own show, Clark appeared on several TV programs, including The Beverly Hillbillies, The Odd Couple, and The Tonight Show as a guest host on multiple occasions.
In 2009, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, thanks to his influence and priceless contributions to the country and bluegrass genre.
Clark is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara, and their four children.
