Mindy McCready

You know "Carlene" and "Just Another Day in Paradise," but did you know Phil Vassar also wrote these country hits for other artists?

Rest in peace.

The country talent would have turned 47 today.

It's more tragic when it's unexpected, as is the case with these country singers who died before their time.

Tragedy can strike anyone, from a neighbor next door to family members to some of the biggest superstars in the world.

May they rest in peace ...

Mindy McCready's 7-year-old son Zander is coming home to live with his father. Billy McKnight was involved in a lengthy custody dispute that wrapped up last Friday (July 12), with a decision to let the boy live with the Florida-based singer and his new wife.

'American Idol' standout Kree Harrison has been doing a fantastic job on the singing competition, receiving rave reviews from many people, including some of music's greats. Before her face graced the television screens of millions, the late Mindy McCready had already recognized the young singer's talents.

Mindy McCready was once on a reality show that highlighted the struggles of celebrities who dealt with addiction.  It was called 'Celebrity Rehab' and unfortunately the success rate of that show hasn't been so great.  With Mindy's death, the total number of cast members who have died after being on that show is up to five.

Many country stars took to Twitter after hearing the news about Mindy McCready's passing.

One day before Mindy McCready was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, the singer sent a private investigator she had been working with a cryptic message. It was a single frame from a video they had been working on together of McCready singing a song called 'I'll See You Yesterday.'

The tumultuous life of singer Mindy McCready came to a tragic end Sunday evening when she died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in her Heber Springs, Arkansas home.