Travis Tritt Mourns the Loss of His Most Trusted Partner
In the high-speed, ever-changing world of country music, few partnerships last decades. But for Travis Tritt, one man had been a rock through it all: Scott Minkley, his longtime tour manager and closest friend, who sadly passed away in November 2023 after a private battle with cancer.
“I’m heartbroken. Scott wasn’t just part of my team – he was part of my family,” Travis wrote in a touching tribute.
The Man Behind the Curtain
Scott Minkley wasn’t a face you saw on stage, but he was the force behind every seamless Travis Tritt performance since the early 1990s. From scheduling tours to managing logistics and solving last-minute issues, he was the invisible backbone of the operation.
Those who’ve attended a Tritt concert likely benefited from Scott’s precision and dedication – even if they didn’t know his name.
“We traveled thousands of miles together. He wasn’t an employee – he was a brother to me,” Travis shared.
A Quiet Battle and Sudden Goodbye
Scott had kept his illness private, determined not to let it interfere with Travis’s busy schedule or the fans’ experience. When he passed, Travis immediately canceled his upcoming shows, stating that he needed time to grieve and be there for Scott’s family.
“I still expect to hear him every morning asking: ‘You ready for tonight’s show, buddy?’” Travis said.
More Than Just a Job
Their relationship transcended business. Scott stood by Travis during personal hardships, career lulls, and the shifting tides of the music industry.
“He always told me: the audience loves you for who you are – don’t change to chase trends,” Travis recalled.
That kind of support is rare. And for Travis, it made Scott irreplaceable.
An Unsung Legacy
Scott Minkley never spoke to the media, never stepped into the limelight. But he was there for every win, every sold-out tour, every backstage crisis avoided.
In upcoming shows, Travis plans to honor him with a special tribute video at the beginning of each concert – so that Scott’s spirit continues to travel with the music.
“He may be gone, but he’ll forever be part of every show I do.”