Jim Ed Brown

There are many -- too many -- country stars who have had cancer or have been personally affected by it in some way.

Country music has seen a number of its most talented artists pass away this year, from singers who influenced the direction of the genre from its onset to artists who were influential in bringing country to the masses up to the point of their passing.

Steve Wariner has plenty of respect for the artists who came before him -- and has enjoyed getting to know some of them. The singer was on hand at the 2015 Country Music Hall of Fame inductions to help honor to the 2015 class of inductees -- Grady Martin, Jim Ed Brown and the Browns and the Oak Ridge Boys -- and recalled some fond memories involving the country music legends.

The Browns -- siblings Jim Ed, Maxine and Bonnie Brown -- were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in a special ceremony held on Sunday (Oct. 25). Although Jim Ed Brown passed away in June, Maxine Brown and Bonnie Brown were on hand to accept the honor -- and thrilled to finally have the opportunity to do so.

Grady Martin, Jim Ed Brown and the Browns and the Oak Ridge Boys were all officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame during a special ceremony held on Sunday night (Oct. 25) in Nashville.

Jim Ed Brown passed away in June, only a few months before he was to be officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame along with his sisters Maxine Brown and Bonnie Brown, as part of the group the Browns. But although Jim Ed Brown didn't live long enough to enjoy the official celebration, Maxine Brown says that he was thrilled to receive the nomination before his death -- even if he was a bit concerned about his siblings accepting the honor on his behalf.

So far, 2015 has not been a quiet year in the realm of country music. Happy moments, including new babies, gorgeous weddings, exciting tours and major accomplishments, have filled the calendar to date, along with a few devastating losses -- and the year is only about halfway over!

Family, friends, country stars and fans paid their final respects to country music legend Jim Ed Brown at his public memorial, held Monday (June 15) at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.

Funeral arrangements have been announced for Grand Ole Opry member Jim Ed Brown, who passed away on Thursday (June 11).

Grand Ole Opry member Jim Ed Brown died Thursday (June 11) at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tenn., after battling lung cancer. He was 81 years old.