Randy Travis, a country music star, has expressed his sympathies to his dear friend and stagehand.

Travis confirmed the death of his former stagehand Thomas Roberts in a Facebook post on July 10. “With the passing of Thom Roberts, the stage has dimmed,” Travis wrote.

“For many years, the Randy Travis band and crew had the opportunity to share the winding roads and beautiful venues with one of the industry’s best stage lighting technicians. Thom had a subtle, captivating presence that sparked your soul as well as a remarkable sense of lighting a stage. Always ready to help, with a ‘can do’ and a ‘glad to do it’ attitude.”

According to Travis, Thom “was a gentle giant of a man who wore a constant smile on his face and carried a song in his heart. A nicer, gentler attitude would take a lifetime to find.”