Tennessee farmers paid tribute to Joe Diffie after his passing
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
A group of Tennessee producers honored a country music singer with a parade fitting for one of his songs.
Joe Diffie, perhaps best known for his 1993 song “John Deere Green,” passed away March 29 at the age of 61 due to complications brought on by the coronavirus.
After his passing, social distancing prevented the Diffie family from holding a proper funeral so farmers made their way to his neighborhood in Nolensville, Tenn. to pay their respects.
Joined by the local police and fire departments and other supporters, farmers drove John Deere tractors down the street while playing some of Diffie’s biggest songs.
It was a fitting tribute for the country singer, said Jimmy Alexander, mayor of Nolensville, Tenn.
“I certainly caught wind of the parade and from all reports there were several farmers that showed up with their John Deere tractors,” he told Farms.com. “From all reports it was a great event, and the farmers riding on their John Deere tractors picked the appropriate farm equipment for the parade to honor Mr. Diffie.”
In addition to the parade, fans have left gifts at the Diffie family’s house and other country artists have played Diffie’s songs as a tribute.
All of the support made for a touching time, said Tara Diffie, Joe’s widow.
“I cannot count how many people have contacted me,” she wrote on Joe’s Instagram account accompanied by a photo of her and her late husband. “From coast to coast, all walks of life. Joe was so loved, and I hope he can see how he affected everyone’s lives. From the candles, to the parade, to the people leaving gifts at the house – I thank you from the bottom of my heart!”