This week, country music lost one of its leading ladies: GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter K.T. Oslin. The "80's Ladies" singer died Monday (Dec. 21) at age 78 due to complications from Parkinson's disease, and shortly after testing positive for COVID-19.

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"The Recording Academy is saddened to hear of the passing of three-time GRAMMY winner and country music icon, K.T. Oslin. With her GRAMMY-winning anthem, '80's Ladies,' K.T. solidified herself as a force in the country music community and paved the way for many artists today," Harvey Mason jr., Chair & Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy, wrote in a statement. "She was an influential and remarkable talent, and our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time."

In 1988, Oslin made history when she became the first woman to win Song Of The Year at the CMA Awards, winning for her breakout hit, "80's Ladies". At the 1988 GRAMMYs, the empowering track won Best Female Country Vocal Performance. The iconic hit was the title track of her 1987 debut album, which she released when she was 45. Like much of Oslin's music, it offered a real and humorous perspective, giving a voice to middle-aged women and beyond.

Her sophomore album, This Woman, followed in 1988, and one of its hit singles, "Hold Me," earned the star two more golden gramophones at the 1989 GRAMMYs, for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

Oslin was also a member of the Recording Academy's Nashville chapter.

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