Legendary country star William Lee Golden announces his son has died: 'This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face'

William 'Rusty' Golden, the son of legendary country musician William Lee Golden and former member of The Oak Ridge Boys, has died at the age of 65. 

Rusty died at his house in Hendersonville, Tennessee on July 1, according to an official press release by the band.

The heartbroken father bid farewell and said: 'This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face. 

'I love my family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, a talented songwriter, and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. I love you, son.'

The family has not announced what caused his death.  

Born on January 3, 1959 in Alabama, Rusty began playing drums for The Rambos at the age of 13 and by the time he turned 17, had written his first song by setting one of his grandmother's poems to music. 

After being inspired by an Elton John concert in 1972, Rusty began to learn how to play the piano and ultimately began to tour with Larry Gatlin as a keyboard player

He went on to play the keyboard for several studio recordings including Larry Gatlin's 'Love Is Just A Game' and Marty Stuart's 'Pilgrim'.  

By the age of 20, Rusty was recording at Quadraphonic Studios in Nashville for ABC Records and soon after, helped form The Boys Band. 

The band was recording their debut album for Elektra/Asylum Records at CARIBOU RANCH in Nederland, Colorado within two years of its formation and went on to rank on Billboard's Hot 100 with their song 'Please Don't Stop Me Baby'. They ultimately disbanded in 1984. 

In the same year the band broke apart, the deceased singer received an RIAA Gold Record for his songwriting contributions on The Oak Ridge Boys' 'Bobbie Sue' album. 

Later in life, he had a 'change of heart' after a quadruple bypass and devoted his writing back to his gospel roots.

In 2020, Rusty and his brother Chris teamed with William to create the family band 'William Lee Golden and the Goldens'. They were joined by brother Craig, nieces Elizabeth and Rebekah and nephew Elijah to create a three-generation family band. 

The group released a trio of projects—Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics, Old Country Church Gospel and Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock. 

Last year, he was honored for his musicianship when he was named keyboard player of the year at the Josie Music Awards. 

He was described as a charismatic entertainer, who could hold an audience in the palm of his hand with his energetic live performances by loved ones.

'Most of all, Rusty will be remembered as one of those Nashville cats everyone wanted to play music with, co-write a song, or just hang out. Rusty could always be counted on to elevate any experience with his talent, wit and charm,' the release read.

He is survived by by father William along with brothers Craig , Chris and Solomon as well as many nieces, nephews. 

News of Rusty's death comes after frontman Duane Allen's wife, Norah Lee Allen died this year on Easter and hours later, singer Richard Sterban lost his father-in-law. 

Longtime guitarist Donnie Carr's wife, Phyllis Carr also died this March. 

In January, Joe Bonsall, a tenor with the group also announced that he was retiring from the road due to a medical condition. 

The Oak Ridge Boys were founded in 1943 and skyrocketed to fame in the 1950s in Southern gospel.

They remained a gospel group till the mid-1970s but then changed their image and concentrated on country music.