Country music lost a legend on Sept. 8, when Don Williams passed away after battling a brief illness. Today, it was announced that Williams' memorial will fittingly take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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Williams' memorial will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 27. The CMA Theater inside the Hall of Fame will host Williams' friends and family who wish to honor his life. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the memorial itself starts promptly at 4:30 p.m.
Williams' family also asks that fans and friends consider donations in lieu of flowers. Specifically, they direct mourners to donate to MusiCares or Music Health Alliance. Those organizations help musicians and music industry professional acquire the health services they need.
Don Williams enjoyed a career spanning five decades, including winning the honor of CMA Vocalist of the Year in 1978. His smooth baritone and friendly demeanor earned him the nickname "Gentle Giant." But his folksy mix of pop and country earned him fans across the globe.
Even as the country music world shifted and changed with trends, Williams remained a steady, peaceful voice throughout turbulent times. He also toured internationally, to much success. He became one of the first artists to film a concert special in Africa in the 1990s.
Songs like "Tulsa Time," "It Must Be Love" and "I Believe In You" took Williams to the top of the country charts. Though he didn't appear much on radio throughout the 1990s and on, he still sold out shows on multiple continents.
READ MORE: 6 Don Williams Songs You Need to Listen to Today
Williams briefly retired from playing music in 2006. But in 2010, the Country Music Hall of Fame inducted him into its hallowed halls. He returned to the stage and played for another six years before hanging his hat in 2016.
Williams' memorial is the second to hit Nashville in a short time span. On the same day Williams passed, country also lost Troy Gentry in a helicopter crash. Artists paid their respects at the Grand Ole Opry last week.
