Lavender Country star Patrick Haggerty dies after suffering a stroke

Patrick Haggerty died aged 78 after suffering a stroke a few weeks ago and was surrounded by family and friends. His death was announced on Lavender Country’s Instagram page with a touching tribute to their lead singer. We lost a great soul.Lavender CountryLavender Country took to Instagram to share a picture of Patrick on stage along with a heartwarming tribute to their former bandmate.The post read: “This morning, we lost a great soul. RIP Patrick Haggerty.”After suffering a stroke several weeks ago, he was able to spend his final days at home surrounded by his kids and lifelong husband, JB. Love, and solidarity.”Many social media users rushed to the comments to share their condolences with the band and share their love for the late singer.READ MORE: Michael Douglas is unrecognisable as he unveils new long, dyed hair Patrick Haggerty dead: Lavender Country star dies at 78 weeks after suffering a stroke (Image: INSTAGRAM/GETTY) Patrick’s death was announced on the bands Instagram (Image: INSTAGRAM) Lavender Country was said to be the first LGBT country band (Image: INSTAGRAM) Patrick Haggerty was an advocate for gay rights (Image: INSTAGRAM)Patrick established Lavender Country in Seattle, Washington in 1972 alongside fellow founding members Michael Carr, Eve Morris and Robert Hammerstrom.The group released their groundbreaking self-titled debut in 1973 and was released in partnership with the Gay Community Social Services of Seattle.This was an organisation Patrick was heavily involved with and the song was performed by the country band at Seattle’s first ever Pride event in 1974.Fearless in chronicling their gay experiences, Lavender Country has been widely considered the world’s first openly gay themed country album, reflecting Patrick’s groundbreaking efforts in activism.DON’T MISS…US star talks ‘working’ with Meghan after ‘overplaying her hand’ claim [OPINION]The Crown star Elizabeth Debicki defends Princess Diana role [COMMENT]Carol Vorderman sizzles in thigh boots and mini dress for Halloween [PICS]In the 80s, Patrick ran for political office in Seattle City and also led activism for gay rights and AIDS awareness in the area.Lavender Country continued to receive renewed attention in the decades since their split in 1976.The group reissued their first album in 1999 and 2014, and performed a handful of live shows within that period.The band’s sophomore album, Blackberry Rose and Other Songs and Sorrows, was released in February of this year after an earlier version arrived in 2019.