Country legend Doug Supernaw has died at age 60 after battling lung and bladder cancer for nearly two years. The "I Don't Call Him Daddy" singer passed away Friday at his home in Texas, his Gold Record label confirmed in a statement to People.
"Doug was a mainstay of country music in the '90s," the label wrote. "After an almost twenty-year hiatus from the music scene, Doug was looking to record and perform live again."
Supernaw was diagnosed with stage four lung and bladder cancer in February 2019. He underwent "aggressive treatment," but the cancer spread to his brain and spine. In October, Supernaw was placed in hospice care.
Born on Sept. 26, 1960, in Bryan, Texas, Supernaw was initially set to become a professional golfer. He attended college on a golfing scholarship but in 1979 he dropped out to pursue his passion for music, according to his Last.fm biography. Supernaw started out as a session songwriter after moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 1987 and four years later formed the band Texas Steel when he returned to Texas.
After several years, Supernaw signed with BNA Records and released his debut album in 1993. From there his career skyrocketed. The country singer recorded four albums from which 11 singles hit the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. His tracks "Reno," "I Don't Call Him Daddy," and "Not Enough Hours in the Night" all made No. 1 in the 1990s. Supernaw recorded his final album, "Fadin' Renegade" in 1999.
Upon hearing news of his death, country icons took to social media to honor his memory. Among them was country star Doug Stone.
"I'm sad today for the loss of my friend Doug Supernaw. He went to be with Jesus early this morning. Cissy, Jade and I will be here for you. Whatever you need! This one hurts," he tweeted.
"Doug Supernaw has gone home ... rest easy brother," added The Oak Ridge Boys.
Supernaw is survived by his third wife, children and grandchildren.