Burt Reynolds Dead At Age 82

Burt Reynolds in 2008 (Credit: IMDB)

Actor and pop culture icon BURT REYNOLDS died today (9/6) at the age of 82. Known best as a leading man in the late 70s and early 80s, REYNOLDS' films were often a favorite among the Country music listening audience, including iconic movies like "Smokey And The Bandit," where he starred alongside COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME member JERRY REED; "Best Little Whorehouse In TEXAS," where he co-starred with DOLLY PARTON; "The Man From Left Field," in which he starred with REBA MCENTIRE; and "Deliverance," which gave us the track "Dueling Banjos." REYNOLDS also released a Country album via MERCURY RECORDS in 1973 titled "Ask Me What I Am." One of REYNOLDS' most popular film roles in "Smokey And The Bandit" landed him in the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME (CMHOF), in a way, as the car from that classic film is on display in the MUSEUM.

REYNOLDS continued to write, direct, act, and produce well in to his 80s. He had been suffering from heart-related issues for years, and he reportedly passed away from a heart attack, according to TMZ. Both PARTON and MCENTIRE have released tributes to REYNOLDS, with PARTON sharing via FACEBOOK, "Oh, how sad I am today, along with BURT's millions of fans around the world, as we mourn one of our favorite leading men. I know we will always remember his funny laugh, that mischievous sparkle in his eyes, and his quirky sense of humor. You will always be my favorite sheriff. Rest in peace, my little buddy, and I will always love you." MCENTIRE's INSTAGRAM post stated, "My good friend has started a new journey. Rest in peace, my friend. I'll never forget the wonderful times we spent together."

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