By duyen be 
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Introduction
The country music world is wrapping its arms around Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani today following the news of a deeply personal tragedy. A representative for the Shelton family has confirmed the passing of John “JD” Douglas, Shelton’s longtime mentor, former bandmate, and a man he often referred to as his “second father.” Douglas was 78.
According to a statement released by the family, Douglas passed away peacefully at his home in Oklahoma, surrounded by loved ones, after a private battle with a long-term illness. The news has sent a wave of sorrow through the Nashville community, where Douglas was respected as a quiet but foundational figure in the careers of many young artists.
Shelton, who is known for his jovial public persona, shared a heart-wrenching tribute that was included in the family’s official statement.
“There are no words to describe the hole he leaves behind,” Shelton’s statement read. “JD took a chance on a punk kid with a mullet and a dream. He taught me more than just three chords on a guitar; he taught me about integrity, about loyalty, and about how to be a good man when the stage lights turn off. The stage, and my life, will feel a lot emptier without him. I’m just completely heartbroken.”
The loss is also being felt deeply by Shelton’s wife, pop superstar Gwen Stefani. A source close to the family, who asked to remain anonymous to respect their privacy during this time, shared how devastating the news has been for the couple.
“Gwen saw JD as family from the moment she met him,” the source told CNN. “She loved hearing his stories about Blake’s early days. She said her heart is shattered, not just for Blake, but for the loss of such a wonderful, kind soul who welcomed her into their world with open arms. They are leaning on each other heavily right now. This is a tough one.”
John Douglas was a veteran musician who played bass for various touring acts in the 1970s and 80s before settling back in his home state of Oklahoma. It was there he discovered a teenage Blake Shelton playing in local bars. Douglas took Shelton under his wing, helping him hone his craft and co-writing some of his earliest, unreleased songs. While he never sought the spotlight for himself, his influence on Shelton’s Grammy-winning career is considered immeasurable by those who knew them both.
Tributes from other country music stars have begun pouring in on social media, with many recalling Douglas’s quiet wisdom and generosity.
The family has stated that funeral services will be a private affair. In lieu of flowers, they have asked for donations to be made to the Tishomingo, Oklahoma chapter of the Music & Memory program, a charity Douglas was passionate about that brings personalized music to elders and those suffering from dementia.