Kinky Friedman, the renowned country singer-songwriter and sharp-witted author, has passed away at the age of 79. Known for his hit songs like “Sold American” and his humor-laced novels, Friedman died Thursday at his ranch in Medina, Texas, following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
In a statement posted to X, his estate shared, “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends. Kinkster endured tremendous pain & unthinkable loss in recent years, but he never lost his fighting spirit and quick wit. Kinky will live on as his books are read and his songs are sung.” The post also included a touching quote from one of his 1993 columns about his love for animals: “They say when you die and go to heaven all the dogs and cats you’ve ever had in your life come running to meet you.”
Friedman’s best-known album, Sold American (1973), included memorable tracks like the title song, “High on Jesus,” and “The Ballad of Charles Whitman.” Aside from his music, Friedman made a name for himself in 2006 when he ran a humor-filled campaign for Texas governor with the slogan, “How hard can it be?” While he didn’t win, he earned nearly 13 percent of the vote.
Born Richard Samet Friedman in Chicago and raised in Texas, he also found success as an author. Friedman penned a popular column for Texas Monthly and published several successful novels, including Greenwich Killing Time (1986), A Case of Lone Star (1987), and When the Cat’s Away (1988). His most recent book, What Would Kinky Do? How to Unscrew a Screwed Up World (2008), continued to showcase his unique blend of humor and insight.