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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The Kansas State Fair issued a brief statement Monday following the death of country artist Joe Diffie."It’s with heavy hearts that we announce Joe Diffie, one of our 2020 Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand acts, has passed away due to complications of COVID-19," the Fair said Monday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time and others who have been affected by this virus."The fair is currently working on different programming options for the Sept. 15 concert with Logan Mize. They plan to release ticket option details soon. The original story is below...The publicist for Joe Diffie, the country star who was to headline a performance at the NexTech Wireless Grandstand at the Kansas State Fair with Logan Mize September 15, told <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/joe-diffie-country-singer-dead-obituary-974556/">Rolling Stone</a> that Diffie died Sunday from COVID-19.&nbsp; His illness was first announced Friday. Diffie was 61.Diffie won two Grammys, charted 35 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, five of which peaked at No. 1 — “Home,” “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets,” “Third Rock from the Sun,” “Pickup Man” and “Bigger Than the Beatles.”Another 12 songs reached the Top 10, including “John Deere Green,” “So Help Me Girl,” “New Way (To Light Up an Old Flame,” “Is It Cold in Here,” “Ships That Don't Come In,” “Honky Tonk Attitude” and “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die).”&nbsp;Among his albums, 1993’s Honky Tonk Attitude and 1994’s Third Rock from the Sun were certified platinum. Diffie is a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 25 years.

UPDATE: Kansas State Fair releases brief statement on Diffie death