Bee Spears (left) playing on stage with Willie Nelson (center). Courtesy: WillieNelson.com.

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Willie Nelson bassist Bee Spears, dead

Spears played with Willie Nelson for 40 years

Updated: Friday, 09 Dec 2011, 9:05 PM CST
Published : Friday, 09 Dec 2011, 2:37 PM CST

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (KXAN) - Longtime Willie Nelson bassist Bee Spears has died.

Spears was found dead outside his motor home in Tennessee late Thursday evening.

Longtime friends were shocked to hear the news, friends like Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson.

“So sorry to hear. He was my good friend for 39 years,” Benson said.

A statement issued on Willie Nelson's website said:

"We are deeply saddened by the death of Family member Dan "Bee" Spears, long time friend and bassist for Willie Nelson and Family.

We are still in shock and gathering details as the day continues. He apparently died of accidental exposure at his property near Nashville, Tenn."