MAGA country star ripped for eulogizing singer known for racist songs: ‘It’s sad’

David Allan Coe, sporting Willie Nelson braids, performs at the Willie Nelson July 4th Picnic, on July 4, 1983 at Atlanta International Raceway in Hampton, Ga. (AP Photo/Rudolph Faircloth, File)AP

Kid Rock was among those eulogizing David Allan Coe on social media on Thursday following his death.

Coe was 86.

Rock and Coe have a few things in common. Rock faced criticism for his lyrics and past statements involving underage girls earlier this year, and Coe also faced criticism for his lyrics — with a couple of songs using the N-word — in the past, too.

Apparently, though, the two shared more than that.

“RIP David Allan Coe,” Rock wrote on X. “Spent so much time with David over the years, touring, writing songs and just hanging out. I knew a side of Dave most people never got to see. He was such a deep thinker, kind and about as real as an outlaw can get! He did not give a damn what anyone thought of him. Always loved this cover of ‘Only God Knows Why’ he recorded on his tour bus. He also wrote ‘Single Father’ for me after spending a few days at my bus. He also wrote ‘Single Father’ for me after spending a few days at my Ortonville MI home YEARS ago with me and my son. I still have piles of songs I need to dig up we wrote together. Rock on David. Love ya brotha.”

Some of the replies were not kind.

“He was a racist piece of (expletive) … doesn’t deserve anything special,” one person wrote on X. “You’ve fallen so far from when I remember you as part of the Detroit hip hop scene. It’s sad.”

“This checks out,” another person wrote, sharing a track list from a Coe record that included the N-Word in a song title.

“LOL he used to talk (expletive) about you on the reg you pretend hillbilly,” Paul Sabastiani wrote.

There were plenty more followers of Rock who supported his message, though.

“Got to see him live at a few small venues back in the day,” Jeff Bach wrote on X. “Have always enjoyed his music and message. RIP.”

“Sorry for your loss of a great friend,” Sheryl Mascio wrote. “Sending hugs and prayers.”

“I have loved him since I was a little girl,” Jennifer Lickey wrote. “Rest in Peace.”

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of David Allan Coe,” a post on the singer’s Facebook page late Wednesday night read. “David passed away today, Wednesday, April 29, at approximately 5:00 PM ET while in the hospital.

“At this time, no official cause of death has been released,” the statement continued. “We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy as they grieve this tremendous loss.”

Coe had an accomplished musical career, but his catalog included a pair of explicit albums — 1978’s “Nothing Scared,” and 1982’s “Underground Album.” They featured songs with lyrics that included racial and homophobic slurs.

Coe denied being a racist, despite using the N-word in songs, and claimed that the songs were meant to be humorous and did not reflect his own views.

His top hit was “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” which made it to No. 8 on the charts. He recorded the original version of “Tennessee Whiskey,” and was known for songs such as “Longhaired Redneck,” and “The Ride.”

“David Allan Coe was more than a singer, songwriter, and outlaw country legend, he was a voice for generations of fans who found truth, grit, pain, and life in his music,” the statement on Coe’s Facebook continued. “His songs, stories, and spirit will live on forever. Thank you for everyone who has loved, supported, and stood by David through the years.

“Rest easy, David. Your ride here may be over, but your music will never die.”