What Happened to Ricky Van Shelton?

Do you remember Ricky Van Shelton? The country music star scored big hits with "I'll Leave This World Loving You," "Keep it Between the Lines," "Hole in my Pocket," "I Meant Every Word He Said," "Wild Man," "Statue of a Fool" and his Dolly Parton duet "Rockin' Years." Over the course of his 20-year career, Shelton had 10 No. 1 hits and was among the ranks of timeless country singers like Conway Twitty, George Strait, Randy Travisand Garth Brooks.

Shelton released his debut album Wild-Eyed Dream in 1987. The album, which spawned the hits "Crime of Passion," "Life Turned Her That Way," "Somebody Lied" and more, hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums chart. He followed up the album's success with his sophomore release Loving Proof, which featured "From a Jack to a King," "Don't We All Have the Right" and a the Hank Cochran-penned "He Got You," which was originally recorded by Patsy Clineas "She's Got You."

Shelton would go on to release RVS III in 1990, Backroads in 1991, Greatest Hits Plus and gospel album Don't Overlook Salvationin 1992 and Making Plans in 1998.

In May 2006, Shelton announced that he was retiring from country music to spend time with his family and his wife Bettye. The "I Am a Simple Man" singer had made enough money and decided to finally kick off his boots. Born in Danville, Virginiaand raised in Grit, Virginia, Shelton didn't need fame to be happy.

[Breaker-Bubba]

I think Ricky Van Shelton should have won a lot of awards

[kimtalley]

❤ I love his voice and music. Just drove 100 miles home 11:30pm in the dark of night, window partly down, warm air caressing my face and listening to him sing.

[eawe]

A country legend. A loss to the music industry, but we still have his music.
'Family first, ' well done sir.

[metro]

He was one of of the unsung classics. I still love his music.

[phoenix-]

Still handsome as hell! I sing his " Statue of a fool", at karaoke. Everybody loves it. Thank you, Ricky Van Shelton, for being the humble man, that you are...we miss you!!! 😢❤

[MandatoryMiko]

Always loved his music. Shelton and Vince Gill have the best vocals in country music.

[jackiemcadams]

I always liked Ricky Van Shelton song s

[rickschenk]

My all time favorite. I have so many great memories when I hear his songs and I love to sing them as well.

[michellebilodeau]

Well bless his heart for spending more time with his family. He will never regret that. I love listening to Ricky and now that I'm 66 years old I still listen to his songs. What a great voice he has.

[HeadRingerEnt]

He's from one town over from me in Southern VA. He and my dad were really good friends throughout my childhood, they played alot of music together and yes there was a ton of partying going on, Ricky was able to do what few men have ever been able to. He made it out of that life with his Health and found his true happiness, so I salute you good sir.

[Ed-jivd]

We sure miss you my friend.... You will never be forgotten

[charlien]

Great singer. I'm glad to know hes enjoying life. Thanks for the music Ricky.

[angeliaoswalt]

He's one of the best n I miss his music bcuz he had songs about my life. Country

[denicesanders]

My mother loved Ricky Van Shelton. Thank you for making her so happy. She played your tapes all of the time. She's gone home to be with my father now.

[deborahdebbiejbray]

Youve always been one of my favorites. Ricky come on back and come to San Antonio. I just love you🥰💞💕💋

[truckdriver]

He is true country. He doesn't need all the fancy gimmicks to sound good. Today's country sucks.

[lawyers]

This man is living proof that family truly is the key to real happiness. He lives just a few miles from me and attends his church regularly. A quiet, unassuming gentleman who never tries to draw attention to himself.

[gypsywaters]

I wish this was publicized the whole lot more.
There needs to be a lot of people to follow his path.
We are so blessed to have artists share their gifts with us.

[angelineoleary]

God I Miss This Man.. He has the Greatest Voice of any Country Singer!
Please Come Back..

[jamescarey]

As long as we have CDs we still have him to listen to😁