Country music singer Vern Gosdin, who recorded hits like the award-winning “Chiseled in Stone” during his 30-year career, has died at age 74 in Nashville, TN.

Verne Gosdin had a recent history of strokes and other heart related ailments. His most recent attack was a few weeks ago. Gosdin was under hospice care and died late Tuesday at a Nashville area hospital.

Dawn Hall, the singer’s assistant, said:

“We were quite hopeful there for a while because he was showing signs of coming back. He was independent and telling me what to do.”

Verne Gosdin released a box set in December and was renovating his tour bus for an appearance at the Country Music Association’s annual festival in June. Gosdin’s song, “Chiseled in Stone” was voted 1989 song of the year by the CMA.