Country Artists Remember K.T. Oslin

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K.T. Oslin signs autographs for fans in 1987. Photo: Don Putnam

Iconic singer-songwriter K.T. Oslin died Monday (Dec. 21), following a battle with Parkinson’s disease in recent years. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 last week, but it is unclear whether this contributed to her death. She was 78.

Oslin made music history by becoming the first middle-aged woman to rise to stardom in Nashville. Oslin was 45 years old when she scored a smash hit with the female anthem “80’s Ladies” in 1987. The song made her the first female songwriter in history to win the CMA’s Song of the Year prize. She was the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 1988.

During her career, she also earned four Academy of Country Music honors, as well as her three Grammys. In 2014, she was inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Following news of Oslin’s death, many artists paid tribute to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, including Terri Clark, Randy Owen, Brandy Clark, Ricky Skaggs, Pam Tillis, and more.

Read below for several tributes to Oslin:

“I am so sad to hear that K.T. Oslin has passed. She was truly one of the best singers I ever heard. I loved the way she made the words come alive with the expressiveness of her unique voice. Thank God we still have her music to learn from.” – Ricky Skaggs

“Did we look up to her? Did we admire her? Hell, we studied her. As a young artist I knew she knew things I wanted to know. I met K.T. Oslin on her terms and never regretted it. We all just loved her.” – Pam Tillis

“What a unique talent. She was a breath of fresh air to country music. We will miss you.” – Ray Stevens

“First off, I’m blown away to get the sudden news today. It was very awakening to say the least. I was a huge K.T. Oslin fan and just recorded one of her songs on my last album with Pam Tillis. She was a big inspiration to me and her writing about the strength of women. I also know she had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was a great lady from a great time of great music. One who will truly be missed by me and many fans.” – Lorrie Morgan

“I nearly ran off the road when ‘Don’t kiss like we’re married, kiss me like we’re lovers’ came across my car radio back in 1980 somethin’ or other. I nearly fell out of my rockin’ chair just this minute when I listened to it again. What a song!! What a singer!! What a songcraftswoman!! What a woman… PERIOD!! Rest in Peace, Lady K.T. Why don’t you go look up my old friend Roy Orbison and y’all write and sing a duet up there. I always thought you were a female Roy Orbison… or maybe Roy was a male K.T. Oslin. I miss both of you.” – Larry Gatlin

“K.T. was the definition of a songstress. Her work stood on its own and will always stand the test of time.” – John Anderson

“The Oak Ridge Boys are saddened by the loss of the Eighties Lady, K.T. Oslin. We didn’t know her very well, but anytime we met, she was always gracious and first-class all the way. Rest easy K.T.” – Joe Bonsall, The Oak Ridge Boys

“I am very sorry to hear that K.T. Oslin passed away. My prayers are with her and her family during this time.” – Lee Greenwood

“K.T. was a great artist, with an instantly identifiable voice and a Hall of Fame songwriter, who was a joy to hang out with. She had a big smile, a big heart, and a big laugh! She was a sweet soul and we are all going to miss her. Condolences to her friends and family. Rest easy, sister.” – T. Graham Brown

LB Cantrell
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