After losing his music partner Troy Gentry in a devastating helicopter crash before a show in New Jersey on Sep. 8, Eddie Montgomery says he will continue as a solo act and carry on the legacy that is Montgomery Gentry.
“It was a horrific day, my world changed as much as the band did. It’s something that you never get over. It’s going to be in my mind and my soul for the rest of my life.” Montgomery said in an interview with People.
Montgomery has had his wife and many from the country music world to help him cope with the loss. One friend, Vince Gill, who gave the eulogy at Gentry’s funeral provided some encouraging words as well:
“He told me: ‘Man, don’t shut down on us. The best way to keep Troy alive is to keep going.”
The country duo were just finishing polishing up their next album, Here’s To You, only days before Gentry’s death. Shortly after the incident, Montgomery decided to release the first single from the album “Better Me.”
“It’s probably the best I’ve heard him sing” Montgomery said of Gentry on the track.
Here’s To You will be released on Feb. 2, with which Montgomery will tour as a solo act under the original Montgomery Gentry name.
Listen to “Better Me” below: