Patrick Haggerty, the trailblazer widely regarded as the first openly-gay country singer, died on Monday surrounded by his husband and children, according to a statement on his band’s Instagram page.
He was 78. “This morning, we lost a great soul. RIP Patrick Haggerty. After suffering a stroke several weeks ago, he was able to spend his final days at home surrounded by his kids and lifelong husband, JB.
Love, and solidarity,” reads the statement.A post shared by Patrick Haggerty (@lavendercountryofficial) Lavender Country was the band’s name as well as the title of its debut album.
The self-titled 1973 album is the first known gay-themed album in country music history, according to Journal of County Music.
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