Country Star Don Williams, ‘The Gentle Giant,’ Dead At 78

Don Williams, an award-winning country singer with love ballads like “I Believe in You,” has died. He was 78.

A statement from his publicist said he died Friday after a short illness.

Williams had 17 No. 1 hits and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010. His mellow sound influenced a later generation of singers including Joe Nichols and Josh Turner.

Williams, nicknamed “the Gentle Giant,” had a rich voice, gentle delivery and storytelling style.

His hits included “I Believe in You,” ‘’Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good,” ‘’You’re My Best Friend,” ‘’Some Broken Hearts Never Mend,” ‘’Till the Rivers All Run Dry” and “Back in My Younger Days.”