Flying Burrito Brothers Bassist Chris Ethridge Dead at 65

Willie Nelson has confirmed in a tweet that Chris Ethridge, bassist for country rock icons the Flying Burrito Brothers as well as the Willie Nelson Family Band, has died at the age of 65. Ethridge collaborated with Gram Parsons on several projects including the Flying Burrito Brothers and the International Submarine Band, and he co-wrote several of the songwriter's solo tunes.

Ethridge's friend, Booker T. Jones, announced in a tweet on Thursday that Ethridge had been admitted to a hospital and "would pass soon." The nature of Ethridge's illness and cause of death have not yet been revealed to the public.