Country music has lost one of its longtime behind-the-scenes forces.

Tommy Detamore, the respected musician, producer and pedal steel guitarist who spent decades working with some of country music’s biggest names, has died at 70.

His devastated wife of 41 years, Sandra Detamore, announced the heartbreaking news on Facebook Thursday, revealing that her husband’s death was sudden.

“It is with a broken heart, I share that my husband of 41 years, Tommy Detamore, went home to be with the Lord yesterday,” Sandra wrote.

She remembered Tommy not only as a gifted musician, but as a beloved husband whose influence stretched throughout the country music world.

“Tommy was and will always be remembered as a respected musician, producer, collaborator, mentor, and creative force in country music,” she continued.

“Not to mention the love of my life.”

Sandra said her husband’s talent helped shape countless recordings and careers over the years.

“His God-given gift for playing and producing music allowed him to lift others up and help shape the sound of country music we hear today,” she wrote.

Tommy remained deeply involved in music right up until his death.

Sandra revealed that the couple had only recently been celebrating another major achievement in his long career.

“Just recently we were celebrating another project he produced and played on that went platinum,” she shared.

The sudden loss has left his family preparing to say goodbye while also looking back on an extraordinary life in music.

Sandra said she finds comfort in believing Tommy is now at peace and reunited with loved ones who died before him.

“I take comfort in knowing he is at peace and is now with his family and that his music will live on and will be cherished forever,” she wrote.

She added that funeral and memorial arrangements were still being planned.

“I want to make sure he is celebrated with family and friends and the community,” Sandra said.

“This way we can all say our goodbyes, since this was so sudden.”

Tommy’s career stretched back decades.

After taking up the pedal steel guitar in the 1970s, he went on to become a singer, guitarist, producer and recording engineer, building a reputation as a trusted collaborator in the country music community.

He and his family made their home in Floresville, Texas, where Tommy owned and operated Cherry Ridge Studio beginning in 1991.

Over the years, he worked with an impressive roster of artists, including Moe Bandy, Ray Price, Jim Lauderdale, Doug Sahm, The Texas Tornados and Robert Earl Keen.

His work earned him respect not only as a performer, but as a producer and mentor who helped other musicians bring their songs to life.

For Sandra, however, his greatest role was far more personal.

After 41 years of marriage, she described Tommy simply as “the love of my life.”

Tommy is survived by Sandra and their son, Thomas.

His family has not yet announced full details of his memorial service.