Rusty, the son of Oak Ridge Boys singer William Lee Golden, has died at the age of 65

Oak Ridge Boys singer William Lee Golden is mourning the loss of his son William “Rusty” Golden. According to a press release, the Country Music Hall of Famer’s son died on Monday (July 1) at the age of 65 in his home in the Nashville suburb of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

“This is the hardest thing a father can ever go through,” the elder Golden said in a statement. “I love my family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, a talented songwriter and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. I love you, son.”

Rusty Golden was born on January 3, 1959, in Brewton, Alabama, the eldest son of William and Frogene Golden. His birth name was William Lee Golden Jr., but his family began calling him Rusty soon after his birth.

Golden grew up in a musical family and began playing drums at an early age. At the age of 13, he began playing professionally with the Rambos.

READ MORE: 40 country singers who died too soon

He switched to keyboards after seeing an Elton John concert in 1972 and began playing keyboards with Larry Gatlin at the age of 17. He also appeared on several sessions in Nashville, playing songs such as Gatlin’s “Love Is Just a Game”, Marty Stuart’s “Pilgrim” and many others.

Other projects he has been involved with include the Boys Band, Golden Speer and the Goldens. He also received a gold record for his songwriting contributions to the Oak Ridge Boys’ 1982 album. Bobbie Sueand for his work with Barry White.

Later in life, after undergoing quadruple bypass surgery, Golden devoted himself to gospel music, scoring several number one Southern gospel songs and winning Song of the Year twice: “What Salvation’s Done for Me” by the Booth Brothers and “I Want to Thank You” by Karen Peck & New River.

In 2020, Golden formed a new band called William Lee Golden and the Goldens with his famous father and brother Chris, along with his brother Craig, his nieces Elizabeth and Rebekah, and his nephew Elijah.

Rusty Golden is predeceased by his mother Frogene Normand, his grandparents Luke and Rutha Mae Golden, and Elliot and Estelle Normand. He is survived by his father William Lee Golden (Simone), his brothers Craig Golden, Chris Golden (Marie), and Solomon Golden, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Funeral arrangements are still pending.

Sterling Whitaker is a senior writer and managing editor at Taste of Country. He focuses on celebrity real estate as well as coverage of Yellowstone and related shows such as 1883 and 1923. He has interviewed cast members such as Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, Sam Elliott and Harrison Ford and Whitaker is also known for his in-depth interviews with country music legends such as Don Henley, Rodney Crowell, Trace Adkins, Ronnie Milsap, Ricky Skaggs and more.