Mac Davis, Elvis songwriter and country star, dead at 78

Legendary country singer and songwriter Mac Davis has died at the age of 78.

Davis, who first found fame writing hits "A Little Less Conversation" and "In The Ghetto" for Elvis Presley, died following heart surgery, his manager, Jim Morey, said in a statement on Tuesday.
"He was surrounded by the love of his life and wife of 38 years, Lise, and his sons Scott, Noah and Cody," Morey wrote on Facebook.
Paying tribute to Davis, his manager described him as "a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

"I will miss laughing about our many adventures on the road and his insightful sense of humor.
When there was a tough decision to be made he often told me 'You decide.. I'm going to the golf course!'"
Morey ended his statement with lyrics from Davis' song "I Believe In Music."
News of Davis' death comes days after his family said he had become "critically ill" after undergoing heart surgery in Nashville.
Musician Richard Marx led the online tributes to Davis, tweeting: "This is such a drag. RIP to the incredible #MacDavis. Thank you for your incredible songs and your kindness to me. It was an honor to hear you tell me stories."
Davis -- born Morris Mac Davis -- made his debut as a country music artist with his 1970 album "Song Painter."