Country Music Band 'Alabama' Co-Founder Jeff Cook Dead At 73

Sad breaking news for country music fans as Jeff Cook, the co-founder of the country music group Alabama, passed away on Monday (November 7, 2022) at the age of 73. Per a report by WHNT, the country music singer was confirmed dead by the band’s publicity firm. The firm noted that Jeff Cook died in the comfort of his Destin, Florida beach home. He was surrounded by his family and some close friends at the time of his passing.

Alabama co-founder Jeff Cook dead at 73

Back in 2012, Jeff Cook was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It wasn’t until five years later that he made the decision to go public with his diagnosis. At the time, Jeff reassured his fans that he was not quitting or walking away. He, however, was going to listen to his body. And, his body was telling him he needed to take a break.

I’m not calling it quits, but sometimes our bodies dictate what we have to do, and mine is telling me it’s time to take a break and heal. I do believe in prayer and I appreciate all the continued prayers throughout this difficult time.

After the announcement was made, he made less frequent appearances when the country music band when on tour. Just a year later (in 2018), Jeff Cook stopped going on tour with the band altogether.

Jeff Cook played a crucial role in building Alabama as he co-founded the group with Teddy Gentry and Randy Owens over five decades ago. Alabama ended up shaping the way the world sees country music together. The band ended up selling over 80 million albums and they had over 40 hits that were No. 1.

Jeff Cook is survived by his mother Better Book, his father-in-law Jerrial Williams, his brother David cook, his brother-in-law Randy Williams and a plethora of nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Blakely and Blazer as well as his wife Lisa who he was married to for just shy of three decades.