CMT News

Waylon Jennings wanted his funeral to take place quickly and privately, his spokeswoman, Schatzi Hageman, told CMT.com Thursday (Feb. 14).

To ensure that his wishes are honored, Jennings' family will not disclose information about arrangements in the wake of his death, but a memorial service will take place later in Nashville. Jennings died Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 13) at his home in Chandler, Ariz., from complications related to diabetes.

Jennings' widow, Jessi Colter, issued a statement Thursday: "I know how very much people loved Waylon and want to pay their final respects; therefore we will be planning a memorial service to take place in Nashville, and those plans will be forthcoming."

An early Internet posting from the Arizona Republic newspaper in Phoenix said that a hospital official had confirmed Wednesday that Jennings died at Chandler Regional Hospital in Chander, Ariz. Later stories in the paper reported that he died at home.

A hospital spokewoman confirmed Thursday that Jennings was brought to Chandler Regional Hospital Wednesday afternoon, but she would not say where or when the singer died, citing the family's wishes that the information not be disclosed.

"Waylon kicked ass right to the end and ruled the roost right up to the last minute," Colter said in her statement. "It always took all of us to try to figure out just what he wanted next and how to do it exactly the way he wanted it done! Waylon always did things his way and even won the final battle because he got to die his way -- at home and in his sleep."

Hageman's office will release details of a Nashville memorial service as soon as they are known, she said. Friends and fans can send condolences to the family at 1117 17th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212.

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