Country Star Tanya Tucker Mourns Death of Longtime Assistant

Tucker pays tribute to Teresa 'T' Martin, her 'very best friend' and road manager who recently passed away at 78.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 2:55pm

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Country music icon Tanya Tucker is mourning the loss of her longtime assistant and friend, Teresa 'T' Martin, who died at the age of 78. Tucker took to Instagram to express her grief, calling Martin one of her 'very best friends' and praising her as a 'warrior' and 'one of the hardest workers' Tucker had known. Martin was also the co-owner of a music business and widely respected as Tucker's road manager, with the obituary describing her as a 'steady force' who was 'fiercely protective' and 'deeply loyal' to those she considered family.

Why it matters

Tanya Tucker's public mourning of her close friend and assistant highlights the important role that behind-the-scenes staff can play in the lives of high-profile artists. Martin's death is a personal loss for Tucker, but also underscores the music industry's reliance on dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support the careers of the artists they serve.

The details

According to the obituary, Teresa 'T' Martin 'passed away peacefully' on January 22 at the age of 78. She was the co-owner of a music business on Nashville's Music Row and was widely known as Tanya Tucker's road manager, a role in which she was 'fiercely protective' and 'deeply loyal' to Tucker and others she considered family. Martin was cared for by hospice in her final days and is survived by her daughter, seven stepchildren, two siblings, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

  • Teresa 'T' Martin passed away on January 22, 2026.
  • Martin's funeral was held in Nashville, Tennessee on February 6, 2026.

The players

Tanya Tucker

A country music icon who considered Teresa 'T' Martin one of her 'very best friends' and longtime assistant.

Teresa 'T' Martin

Tanya Tucker's assistant for many years, as well as the co-owner of a music business on Nashville's Music Row and Tucker's respected road manager.

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What they’re saying

“Saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do! T Martin was my assistant for years. She and her husband Glen (great songwriter) and stepson Boy Troy have been many miles on the bus and across the water in Europe!”

— Tanya Tucker

“She was a warrior and one of the hardest workers I've known. She was one of my very best friends. Whatever she did for me, she did with love and a kind soft voice. I treasure the years we had together.”

— Tanya Tucker

“My only regret is I wasn't there this morning when she got her wings. Goodbye my friend. I'll see you again!”

— Tanya Tucker

The takeaway

Tanya Tucker's heartfelt tribute to her longtime assistant and friend Teresa 'T' Martin underscores the deep personal bonds that can form between artists and their behind-the-scenes support staff. Martin's dedication and loyalty to Tucker over the years was clearly cherished, and her passing represents a significant loss for the country music icon.