As word spreads of the passing of our dear friend, Zig Ziglar, all of us at Gaither Music fondly remember this national hero who inspired so many individuals to live remarkable lives. As an author, speaker, mentor, and all-around remarkable individual, he has helped countless people and businesses thrive using spiritual principles and a positive perspective. He saw life for all its possibilities, and he helped thousands upon thousands of people do the same.

Zig passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, after suffering from pneumonia.  His influence is impossible to measure, and the gift of his words of wisdom will live on for years and years to come.

“Gloria and I have been truly blessed to consider Zig among our dearest friends,” Bill Gaither reflects. “For many years he brought his family to Family Fest and Praise Gathering; and for the first few years I didn’t realize he was there until after the weekend was over. Eventually we became friends and I always looked forward to our time with him and his family.  But I was always so impressed that a person of his standing would purchase tickets like anyone else and make the effort to come and let the music feed and encourage him and his family.  I believe that same quality – being willing to seek out inspiration and input from others – is one of the qualities that gave him such longevity, since he gave so much of himself to encourage and teach others.

“This sweet man was a champion of the power of positive thinking, and he is living proof that, ‘As a man is in his heart…so is he.’ Even in his last years of life, he was a beacon of joy.  During the last Family Fest he attended a couple years ago, his memory was faltering a bit and his daughter, Julie, had to help lead him to the platform, but the moment he spoke to the people, his mind and heart were as engaging and full of wisdom as ever.  He remained a testament to the principles he had spent his life communicating.”

During one of the earlier Homecoming tapings, Zig shared a story about a dark time in his life when he had lost his daughter, and how a Homecoming video encouraged him during a particularly difficult night when he couldn’t sleep.  As we sadly bid a temporary farewell to our friend, we are so honored that the music blessed him after he had blessed so many. Now, he is with that daughter of his singing in a place where every tear is wiped away.  See you at the House, Zig!