eddie rabbitt

For the week starting Feb. 10, 1979, Rabbitt hit No. 1 on the charts with "Every Which Way But Loose."

No parent should ever have to bury a son or daughter -- and yet, several country stars have had to endure such a grief-filled event.

It's more tragic when it's unexpected, as is the case with these country singers who died before their time.

"Baby, there's no excuse / to turn me every which way but loose..."

There are many -- too many -- country stars who have had cancer or have been personally affected by it in some way.