Bill Ivey, the former CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, has died.

He was 81.

The Country Music Hall of Fame announced his death, which it said occurred on Nov. 7, in a lengthy Facebook post.

Ivey served as the CEO for the Hall of Fame from 1971 through 1997.

“Ivey set a rigorous standard that ensured the Museum’s collections of artifacts, recordings, and library materials documenting country music would be unmatched,” the statement read. “Twice he presided over building expansions, and through his leadership the Museum was transformed form a modest tourist attraction into the premier center for the preservation and study of country music past and present.

“During his tenure, the Museum gained national accreditation, its budget increased fourfold, and its staff and pr

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