TEXAS, USA — Grammy Award-winning country musician Bobby Flores has died after a battle with esophageal cancer, this family said Thursday.
Flores was a musician, singer, songwriter, recording artist, Texas Western Swing Music Hall of Fame inductee, music label owner and played with the likes of Ray Price, Johnny Bush and Willie Nelson throughout his storied career.
He performed at the San Angelo Cowboy Gathering and at the West Texas Boys Ranch 2022 Ranch Ball, as well as other venues and events across West Texas.
"For decades, Bobby Flores has blessed us with his friendship and musical genius, entertaining fans young and old around the world. He has toured across the country, taught hundreds of students, and helped bring to fruition the dreams of many young artists. If you know him, you know that he is go, go, go, accomplishing more in 24-hours than most people do in a week," a GoFundMe page for Flores said.
Since his diagnosis, several benefits have been held across Texas to help defray the costs involved with his treatment including one planned Sunday, June 26 at the Blue Agave Cattle Company in Blackwell.
Tommy White, one of the Blue Agave partners, said the benefit will go on as planned because they feel Flores' family needed the help now just as much.
Flores' family released the following statement Thursday:
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write to inform you that Bobby was called home to be with our Lord at 12:18 this afternoon.
He was admitted to the hospital last week after experiencing difficulty swallowing. We fully expected him to go home, but unfortunately, he took a turn for the worse Monday night and was put on Hospice. Hope Hospice did an incredible job of ensuring that Bobby was comfortable. For the first time in a long time, Bobby slept deeply and comfortably, and he passed away peacefully in his sleep with his family by his side. From the arms of his family to the arms of Jesus – what more could anyone ask for?
The family will hold a private funeral, but please stay tuned for Celebration of Life details that we will send out at a later time. We look forward to celebrating Bobby’s extraordinary life with you.
Please keep our family in your prayers. We ask for space while we process this incredible loss.
Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers. Our hearts are broken, but at the same time we rejoice: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain, for the order of things has passed away.” Rev. 21:4
With love,
The Flores Family"
Information about a public celebration of life will be posted when the Flores family releases the information.
