Introduction:
Travis Tritt Mourns the Loss of His “Right-Hand Man” of Nearly 20 Years
Country music legend Travis Tritt, known for his string of ’90s hits, is grieving a tremendous loss following the passing of his longtime friend and collaborator, Scott Minkley. Minkley passed away on Wednesday morning (Oct. 11) after a long battle with cancer.
Tritt shared the heartbreaking news on social media, expressing both his deep sorrow and his immense respect for the man who had stood by his side for almost two decades.
“He was one in a million, and I’ll never find another like him,” Tritt wrote. “This is a tremendous loss that will hurt deeply for a very long time.”
Scott Minkley began working with Travis Tritt in 2005, serving as tour manager, production manager, and monitor engineer. Before joining Tritt’s team, Minkley had already built a solid career as an experienced audio engineer. Over the years, he became the heart of Tritt’s touring crew — the person who kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
His passing came just before Tritt was set to perform a weekend of shows across Tennessee, Florida, and South Carolina. The singer added:
“God bless Scott Minkley! May he rest in the arms of Jesus until I see him again in heaven. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. In remembrance of Scott, please do something kind and special for someone today.”
Dozens of fans flooded Tritt’s post with condolences and messages of support, reflecting the deep admiration many shared for Minkley and his lasting impact on the artist’s career.
In 2024, Tritt is set to embark on a short acoustic tour in March and recently released a gospel album titled Country Chapel, following his 2021 country record Set in Stone.
Though his musical journey continues, it’s clear that it will never be quite the same without the steady presence of Scott Minkley — a loyal friend, a trusted colleague, and truly, Tritt’s irreplaceable “right-hand man.”