The first week of December 2018 made us have whiplash with all the events and happenings going about in the country music world. Here’s our top 5 pick!

1. Country Stars Join the World in Honoring the Death of Former President George H.W. Bush

November 30, 2018, marked the passing of Former President George Herbert Walker Bush. And throughout the weekend, the news of his passing spread like wildfire. Country artists who knew and respected the 41st president of the United States both celebrated his legacy and mourned the loss of a great leader.

Photo credit: Business Insider/AP/Ron Edmonds

Among the stars who shared their sentiments were Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, John Rich, Billy Ray Cyrus, and The Oak Ridge Boys.

2. George Strait Headlines Buckeye Country Superfest

George Strait has added another live performance to his already packed 2019 schedule! Mark your calendars, cowboys, and cowgirls! The King of Country will headline the Buckeye Country Superfest this Summer! He will be joined by Blake Shelton in the headlines. And there will be other big country stars such as Chris Janson, Midland, and Raelynn that will join the lineup on the June 8 show.

Photo credit: Buckeye Country Superfest Official Page

For more information about the event, you can go here!

3. Reba is Celebrated as One of the Honorees in This Year’s Kennedy Center Honors

The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates the legacy and achievements of Reba by paying tribute to her life’s works. As a way of celebration, multiple country artists came out to perform in her honor. Kelly Clarkson, Lady Antebellum, Brooks & Dunn, and Kristin Chenoweth each honored the diva with a song.

Photo credit: Billboard

4. Dan + Shay’s Unity Concert to Benefit the Pittsburgh Synagogue

In line with the support for the Concert for Unity for the Tree of Life Synagogue, Dan + Shay headlined the show-stopping event at Byham Theater in Pittsburgh on December 2. The award-winning duo helped raise more than $60, 000 for the synagogue.

Photo credit: Country Thang Daily

5. The Death of Troy Gentry Ruled as Pilot Error

Devastation hit the country music industry when Troy Gentry was killed last year when the helicopter that he was flying in crashed, and now federal investigators have ruled it was due to pilot error.

Getty Images

The other half of the hit country duo Montgomery Gentry headed out for a ride ahead of a scheduled concert in Medford, New Jersey but shortly after takeoff, the pilot, James Evan Robinson, reported that he couldn’t control the engine.