Country legend Bill Anderson is mourning the death of his longtime partner, Vickie Salas, who succumbed to cancer Wednesday morning, January 16. The Carolina-born singer/songwriter turned to social media to express good memories of her. On his Facebook account, he wrote:

“I wish each one of you who is reading this could have known my sweet Vickie. She was the kindest, gentlest, classiest, most compassionate, giving and loving person I have ever known.”

Anderson and Salas’ Meeting

The “Mama Sang a Song” singer first met Salas when she was 19. She was married to his guitar man at that time. They became separated for many years when Salas decided to move away. Both lived their respective lives individually and had been to several divorces. They were reunited when Salas returned to Nashville over a decade ago. She contacted him first and after knowing he’s been single for a while, they decided to meet upand that marked a new journey for both of them.

“We talked a long while, made arrangements to get togetherat a nearby Mexican restaurant, and that was almost twelve very short and verywonderful years ago. We never married, we never lived together, but she becamemy everything from that moment forward,” Anderson shares.

Over the years, the ‘Whisperin’ Bill’s’ online journal has series of posts referring toSalas as his “friend.” However, it has been confirmed by a representative thatshe was Anderson’s longtime girlfriend.

Her Final Battle with Cancer

Vickie Salas’ cancer diagnosis came in 2016 and she’s been battling the disease with a series of treatment. Unfortunately, cancer has formed tumors on her liver and lung, forcing her to undergo a round of experimental and holistic treatments. However, the side effects of such treatments eventually weakened Salas’ body. Andersonreported that she died sometime between 1AM and 3AM on Wednesday.

Anderson closed his post with the following line before performing his single “Until the light Comes On Again.” He wrote the song especially for Salas.

“Rest In Peace my sweet, wonderful, beautiful, and oh so special lady. I will miss you forever.”

Details on Salas’ funeral arrangements are still undecided.