George Strait’s long time manager Erv Woolsey, passed away on Wednesday (3-20) in Clearwater, Florida. He died from complications of a recent surgery.

Quickly afterwards, George posted this: “My manager for around 45 years and most importantly my friend for even longer, Erv Woolsey, passed away this morning. We will miss him so very much and will never forget all the time we had together. Won’t ever be the same without him.”

Woolsey is responsible for convincing MCA records to sign George to a record label deal. Before starting his own management company, Woolsey worked at Decca, ABC, and MCA Records. Other artists he managed in the past include Dierks Bentley, Clay Walker, Ronnie Milsap, and Lee Ann Womack.  He also found success as a songwriter. Erv Woosley is survived by his son Clint Woolsey. He was 80 years old.