Introduction
Randy Owen Breaks His Silence on Jeff Cook’s Passing: “I’m Hurt in a Way I Can’t Describe”
In a deeply emotional moment that has struck a chord with country music fans everywhere, Randy Owen, lead singer of the legendary band Alabama, has opened up about the devastating loss of his longtime friend and bandmate, Jeff Cook. Cook, a founding member of Alabama and a masterful guitarist and fiddle player, passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease—leaving behind decades of unforgettable music and memories.
“I’m hurt in a way I can’t describe,” Randy confessed in a heartfelt statement shared just days after Cook’s passing. “Jeff wasn’t just my bandmate—he was my brother. We shared a stage, a dream, and a lifetime of friendship.”
The news of Jeff’s death has shaken the country music world, but for Randy, it is an intensely personal loss. The two performed together for more than 50 years, bringing Alabama’s unique sound to fans across generations. Their chemistry on stage was electric, born of trust, loyalty, and the kind of bond that only decades of touring and songwriting can forge.
Randy recalled some of his final moments with Jeff. “Even near the end, when he couldn’t speak much, we didn’t need words. We knew each other that well. I saw the strength in his eyes, the fire that made Alabama what it is. That never left him.”
In recent years, as Jeff’s health declined, the band adapted—but his absence on stage was always felt. Still, Randy made sure to honor Jeff’s legacy at every opportunity. “He loved the fans more than anything. Every note he played, he played for them.”
Though heartbroken, Randy vowed to keep Jeff’s spirit alive through music. “Every time we sing an Alabama song, Jeff is right there with us. That’s the power of music—it never dies.”
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow musicians, one thing is clear: Jeff Cook’s music and memory will live on, not just in country music history, but in the heart of his brother in song—Randy Owen.