Country music legend Garth Brooks' sister died over the weekend. Betsy Smittle was more than just Garth Brooks' half-sister, she was also a musician in her own right, who toured with her famous brother and even recorded her own album. She was also a strong supporter of the gay rights movement. Despite his loss, rumors that Brooks is gearing up for a new album and a 2014 tour continue to spread, after the singer announced his upcoming live CBS special.
The obituary for Betsy Smittle, found in Oklahoma's News 9, reads:
"TULSA, Oklahoma--Betsy Smittle, Tulsa musician and sister of country superstar Garth Brooks, has passed away. Ninde Funeral Home confirms that Smittle, 60, died Saturday, November 2, 2013. Smittle was a bass guitar player who toured with Brooks for several years. She also released a solo album entitled Rough Around The Edges. She was a gay rights advocate who performed in gay pride events around the state."
There is no currently known cause of death.
Meanwhile, Garth Brooks recently announced that he will be broadcasting his final show at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. The event will be broadcast live on CBS, on Friday, November 29, from 9:00 -11:00 p.m. The official press release, found on the singer's website, reads:
"'GARTH BROOKS, LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS' will feature Brooks in a very intimate setting, playing his guitar as he takes the audience through the musical journey that led him to become the number one selling solo artist in U.S. history. He will share his experiences listening to different musicians throughout his life, starting with the music of Merle Haggard and George Jones. Then, other musicians who influenced him like Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, Otis Redding, Bob Seger, George Strait and many, many, more. Throughout the show, Garth will perform some of their classic songs and show you how they influenced his greatest hits."
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