Tanya Tucker
AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 26: Tanya Tucker attends the 2025 Texas Medal of Arts Awards at the Long Center for the Performing Arts on February 26, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images)

Tanya Tucker Mourns the Loss of Her Longtime Friend and Assistant

Tanya Tucker said that her assistant and friend of many years "was a warrior and one of the hardest workers I’ve known."

Tanya Tucker is paying tribute to her friend and longtime assistant on social media. 

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Teresa "T" Martin, who worked with the "Delta Dawn" singer for years, died on January 22 at the age of 78. 

How Did Tanya Tucker Say Goodbye to Her Friend?

Although she couldn't make Martin's funeral, the 67-year-old Tucker took to Instagram to share her thoughts on her passing. 

"Saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do!" she wrote in the caption of the post featuring an image of her assistant. 

Tucker also added, "T Martin was my assistant for years. She and her husband Glen (great songwriter) and stepson Boy Troy have been many miles on the bus and across the water in Europe!"

Tucker also admired Martin's resilience. "She was a warrior and one of the hardest workers I've known," she said. "She was one of my very best friends. Whatever she did for me, she did with love and a kind soft voice. I treasure the years we had together.

"My only regret is I wasn't there this morning when she got her wings. Goodbye my friend. I'll see you again! The other T."

Who Was Teresa "T" Martin?

In addition to Tucker's touching post, an online obituary paid tribute to Martin. It said she and her husband were the "co-owners of Co-Heart Music Group, located on Music Row."

"Whether managing a business or life on the road, 'T' was a steady force behind the scenes; fiercely protective, deeply loyal and unwavering in her commitment," it read. "Her nickname was earned through the care, guidance and strength she extended to those she considered family, both professionally and personally."

It continued, "Teresa will be remembered for her resilience, her larger-than-life personality and the profound impact she had across many chapters of her life. Her zest for life was evident in everything she did, and she embraced each moment with enthusiasm and determination."

The reason for Martin's death is unknown. She was "cared for with great love by three devoted caregivers" as well as a hospice service. Her funeral service was held in Nashville on Friday, Feb. 6. A graveside burial service followed afterwards.

Martin is survived by her daughter, seven stepchildren, two siblings, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.