David Allan Coe, Outlaw Country Legend Behind ‘Take This Job and Shove It,’ Dies at 86
David Allan Coe,the 86-year-old outlaw country music legend,died on Wednesday. No cause of death was announced. He was remembered by colleagues and representatives as a true “outlaw” and a major singer, songwriter, and performer with a devoted fan base.
Coe was known for hits such as “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” and he also wrote songs that became famous through other artists, including Tanya Tucker’s “Would You Lay with Me” and Johnny Paycheck’s chart-topping “Take This Job and Shove It.” His career continued through the 1980s with songs like “The Ride,” “Mona lisa Lost Her Smile,” and “she used to Love Me a Lot.”
The article highlighted Coe’s reputation and persona shaped by his early prison experiences, with remarks he made in interviews and a 1975 film suggesting incarceration both drove and elaborate his path to fame. It also noted controversy around albums that drew criticism, along with his resolve not to apologize for them. In later years, he reportedly fought with the IRS and was ordered in 2016 to pay $1 million.
Coe’s wife, kimberly Hastings Coe, described him as an exceptional artist and lifelong partner, saying she would never forget him.
Outlaw country music legend David Allan Coe died Wednesday at the age of 86.
“David was a Country Music treasure and loved his fans,” a representative said, according to People.
“Most importantly, he was a true outlaw and A great singer, songwriter, and performer,” the representative said.
No cause of death was announced.
Coe was known for a handful of hits, including “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” which was a country Top 10 song written by Steve Goodman and John Prine.
He was also famous for his outlaw persona that followed years in prison when he was a young man.
“I did it,” he said in a 1993 interview. “I was singing that stuff for years. I was living it for years. Willie, Waylon [Jennings] — they just got more famous. I was the original outlaw.”
Coe also wrote songs others made famous. In 1973, Tanya Tucker had a hit with “Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone).”
RIP David Allen Coe. @Ron_White and I both met and got to hang out a while David at Willie’s 4th of July concert years ago and as an old country fan it’s one of my favorite memories from the road. I then got to sing “You never even called me by my name” with him on stage. Crazy… https://t.co/iBBaKG4apP
— Larry The Cable Guy (@GitRDoneLarry) April 30, 2026
Johnny Paycheck hit the top of the charts in 1977 with Coe’s “Take This Job and Shove It.”
Hits continued into the 1980s with “The Ride” in 1983, “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile” in 1984, and “She Used to Love Me a Lot” in 1985.
Coe’s wife, Kimberly Hastings Coe, called him “One of the best singers, songwriters, and performers of our time [and] never to be forgotten,” according to Rolling Stone.
“My husband, my friend, my confidant and my life for many years. I’ll never forget him and I don’t want anyone else to ever forget him either,” she said.
The Ohio-born Coe spoke about his days in prison to the point where some thought the truth had layers of embellishment.
“There were a lot of times when I would actually be in the county jail after being busted and I’d wake up the next morning and say to myself, ‘Oh I’m glad it’s over; I’m glad I’m going back to prison now, where I know I’ll be safe, where I’ll be out of society,’” he once said.
In a 1975 movie, he spoke about prison being a spur that drove him toward fame.
“I’ve found my place in society. And it’s not in a prison,” he said. “I no longer have to come back here and have everybody knowing who David Allan Coe is; now everybody on the street knows who I am. So I still get that satisfaction of being somebody.”
Coe recorded two albums where themes of sex and race drew the condemnation of The New York Times. The newspaper’s suggestions that he was a racist upset him, People reported.
“I don’t apologize for these albums, because they are very funny, but don’t expect me to sing these songs at my shows!” he added.
A working man figure to the end, Coe battled the IRS in his final years, and in 2016 was ordered to pay $1 million.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
