Artists and industry friends reflected on his passing:
“It is difficult to believe the Storyteller of our time is gone, his stories have been told and that is so hard to imagine, as we all want to hear more. If you listen to “I Love” you know Tom T, and you also know that’s why HE was loved so much. He reminded us that those little things were so special, like little baby ducks. One of the treasures that I regret losing in the flood was a handwritten note to me from Tom T. for the ‘recipes’ I had written for the Animal Land Cookbook. He said it was a gift to be able to make someone laugh in one paragraph and cry in the next, and he should know because he did that often. The treasure I regret losing most of all is Tom T. Hall as he was truly a gift. It helps to know that today he is reunited with Miss Dixie and all the dogs they’ve ever loved.”–Jeannie Seely
“Tom T Hall was one of the greatest songwriter/poets of our time. He could paint wonderful, vivid pictures with his words – a great fellow Kentuckian, and a wonderful person.” –Marlon Hargis-Exile
“We have lost two awesome story tellers over the past year, Charlie Daniels and now Tom T. Hall and we will miss them both tremendously. Tom T. made all of us Kentucky folks proud, and we will brag about and honor him and pray for his family! Rest In Peace Tom T.” –Les Taylor-Exile
“Oh my gosh. My hero is gone. A true genius. “Old Dogs and Children and Watermelon Wine” was my favorite country song of all time. This is a big one.” –JP Pennington-Exile
“For this Kentucky boy dreaming of being a songwriter, Mr, Hall was a North star and inspiration. He came from a small town in Kentucky and his songs reached folks around the world. He wrote about real people and real life with his own unique style. He certainly was one of a kind and a gift to me.” –Kent Blazy
“When we were kids, we had many musical heroes. We were inspired when we heard them singing on the radio or telling stories about their lives in music. We saw that through hard work and sheer talent, they deserved every ounce of their success. We looked up to them, and dared to dream. It is sometimes said that you should never meet your heroes because they may not live up to your expectations, but when we started our band in 2007, we never imagined it could be possible that many of our musical heroes would eventually become our friends. Tom T. Hall, a giant among musical heroes for many, was so much more than we imagined a hero could be. Along with his wife, Miss Dixie, he was always so very kind and giving of his time to us. They loved our music, and from the very beginning, they believed that with time…if we stuck it out…we could experience great success, too. They were BIG reasons that we pursued our career and knew that we could do anything we set our minds to. That’s what it felt like to be around Tom T. – like greatness was possible. He knew how to be great and made those around him want to be great, too. We are saddened to hear of his passing, but we know that he anticipated his glad reunion with Miss Dixie since her passing in 2015. Thank you, Tom T., for your inspiration and friendship, and for leaving the world with songs and stories that will continue to be told for generations to come. We already miss you.” –Darin and Brooke Aldridge
“Tom. T. inspired me so much with his conversational lyrics. It doesn’t get any better than “That’s How I Got To Memphis”. As a kid, in my mind, I spent a week with Tom T. in that little country jail, I could almost taste Watermelon Wine and I could just picture the lonely Dad in “Homecoming”. Tom T. sent me a note several years ago. It read, “Have fun in the music biz, but don’t try to have as much fun as I did. All the best, Tom T” I’ll treasure that note forever.” –Bobby Tomberlin
“Tom T Hall was one of the greatest songwriters in the history of music. He will live on through the many great songs that he wrote. Prayer to his family and loved ones in their time of loss.” –Taylon Hope
“My family and I are so saddened to hear about the passing of Tom T. Hall. Growing up on traditional country music, some of my most favorite songs are “Harper Valley PTA” and his version of “Fox on the Run”. What a tremendous songwriter and storyteller. Country music will greatly miss Tom T. Hall” –Dallas Remington
“Tom was a legend and a gentleman. He was a true supporter of young artists, always encouraging the next generation of songwriters. His impact on us will not soon be forgotten, and he will be missed dearly. Our regret is that we weren’t able to sit down and chat with Tom T. Hall for our podcast series, Country Music Success Stories. Tom’s vast experience in country music and his wisdom would have been an incredible experience for listeners.” –Country Music Success Stories – Candy O’ Terry and Jacy Dawn Valeras
“Tom T. Hall was quoted as saying ‘Remember that someone is always thinking of you and wants you to be happy. People like you better than you do. You’re ok.’ He was an amazing songwriter and what an impact he made on so many lives. He will be missed greatly! Thank you for your poetry and kindness.” –Kyndon Oakes
“Tom T. was one of the first people I reached out to when I moved to Nashville. I knew he was one of the very final links between Country Music’s golden era and the Music City that we live in today. While I’m sad he has left us, I’m glad he is reunited with Dixie. And luckily for us, he left behind a vast collection of stories that we are able to share with the many generations of poets and songwriters to come.” –Zacharia Malachi
“So sorry to hear this! Tom T. Hall was a legend and a great storyteller.” –Frank Myers
“I am so saddened to hear of the loss of the great storyteller of country music himself, Mr. Tom T. Hall. “Harper Valley PTA” was always one of my favorite hits of the many that he wrote. He will surely be missed, but forever live on through all of his songs.” –Dani-elle Kleha
“Rest In Peace Tom T. Hall. ‘The Storyteller’ of country music. Your legacy will live on forever.” –Rob & Jackie Wolf
“Very sorry to hear of the passing of Tom T Hall. He was the Storyteller of Country Music. My condolences and prayers for his family. What a gift he was and will always be to us all.” –Mickey Lamantia