Mindy McCready's brethren within country music and beyond it mourned the star's Sunday suicide, paying tribute to the late country singer's talents as well as her battles with addiction.
Former baseball great Roger Clemens — with whom McCready said she had a relationship, despite his denial — responded with a statement Monday.
"Yes, this is sad news. I had heard over time that she was trying to get peace and direction in her life. The few times that I had met her and her manager/agent, they were extremely nice," Clemens said.
Billy McKnight, McCready's ex-boyfriend who was charged with attempted murder for allegedly beating her up and choking her back in 2005, told the "Today" show Monday that he was sadly not shocked by her death.
"As sad as it is, it didn't come as a major shock," he said.
Some of Nashville's biggest hitmakers du jour and its chart-toppers of yesteryear alike reacted to McCready's death on Twitter.
Wynonna Judd: "Oh my! Mindy. Dear sweet girl. This is so sad. It just breaks my heart what addiction continues to take from this life. Addiction is a dis EASE & not a character flaw. When the pain becomes too much, it causes people to want that pain to stop. This is just so unbelievable & so sad. God be with the family & those babies. Surround them with your grace & mercy. Sleep in Heavenly peace Mindy."
U.S. & World
John Rich: "Very sad to hear about Mindy McCready. When I was in Lonestar she was our label mate and we were friends. A tragic end to a talented life."
Jason Aldean: "Just heard about Mindy McCready. My thoughts and prayers are with her 2 boys and her family."
Martina McBride: "So sad."
Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks: "Too much tragedy to overcome. R.I.P Mindy McCready."
Carrie Underwood: "I grew up listening to Mindy McCready...so sad for her family tonight. Many prayers are going out to them..."
Chely Wright: "Really really sad to learn the news about Mindy McCready. I will pray for her children and I hope that people are gentle with her memory."
Gretchen Peters: "So sad to hear about Mindy McCready. I met her in the first flush of her early career. This is a hard business. Sometimes success is poison."
