David Allan Coe, a prominent figure in the outlaw country music scene, passed away on April 29 at the age of 86. Known for iconic songs such as “Take This Job and Shove It,” Coe’s life offstage was marked by complex relationships and a large family. Throughout his life, he married six times and fathered at least five children, many of whom followed in his musical footsteps.
Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1939, Coe’s career spanned decades during which he became a voice for many country music fans with his raw and authentic style. His personal life was equally eventful; he was married five times before tying the knot with his sixth wife, Kimberly Hastings Coe, in 2010. The couple had been together for over two decades before their marriage, with Kimberly often joining him on stage as a backup singer.
Coe’s family included children from previous marriages, notably with ex-wife Jody Lynn Coe. Together they had four children: Tyler, Tanya, Shyanne, and Carson. He also had a daughter named Shelli. His children often traveled with him on tour during their youth, gaining early exposure to the music industry. For example, Tyler appeared on the cover of Coe’s album “Son of the South” when he was just two years old and later became a band leader on tour with his father as a teenager.
Several of Coe’s children pursued music careers themselves. Tyler Coe hosts a well-known podcast called “Cocaine & Rhinestones,” which delves into the history of 20th-century country music. Tanya Montana Coe is also a musician but had an estranged relationship with her father in later years.
David Allan Coe’s life was not without controversy. He faced criticism for some of his lyrics that included racial stereotypes and for his use of Confederate imagery. Despite this, many remember him as an unapologetic artist who stayed true to his outlaw country roots.
His sixth wife Kimberly described him as her husband, friend, and confidant. She confirmed his death to media outlets and requested privacy for the family during their time of grief. Tributes poured in from fans who admired Coe’s contribution to country music and his distinctive voice that captured both pain and truth.
David Allan Coe’s legacy lives on through his extensive catalog of songs and the musical paths taken by his children. His story reflects not only the life of a country music legend but also the complexities behind the man who wrote some of the genre’s most memorable tunes about life, love, and hardship.
