Country music legend David Allan Coe, who wrote ‘Take This Job and Shove It’, dead at 86

nypost.com ^ | April 30, 2026 | Richard Pollina

[V_TWIN]

David Allan Coe, the outlaw country music legend and pioneer songwriter behind hits such as “You Never Even Called Me by My Name” and “Take This Job and Shove It,” has died. He was at 86.

David died Wednesday in a hospital, his rep told the New York Times without elaborating further.

“David is a musical treasure,” the representative said. “Even in his years of declining health, David appreciated all of the fans.”

A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

“One of the best singers, songwriters, and performers of our time [and] never to be forgotten,” his wife, Kimberly Hastings Coe, told 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.”

The “Longhaired Redneck” singer’s health had been declining over the last decade.

Born in Akron, Ohio, on Sept. 6, 1939, David spent his younger years serving stints in reformatories and prisons, including the Ohio State Penitentiary, serving time for a range of charges, including grand theft auto and possession of burglary tools.

[xone]

Hope he heard it when he died, no need to wait for the final Judgement. Heb 9:27

[Clay Moore]

“ The other concert. He didn’t play one song I knew. Not one !!”

And nobody yelled out a request? Yes I know what would happen.

[Glad2bnuts]

I love it, the reverse of N word rap, with more musical value.