Ree Drummond and her family are mourning the loss of her older brother Michael Smith, who died at 54 on Oct. 30, 2012, According to a Wednesday Facebook post shared by the Pioneer Woman on 3 November, 2021.
It isn’t possible to sum up the life of someone as perfectly wonderful as my brother Michael, so right now I won’t try. He was seventeen months older than me, my first friend and buddy, and I’m so grateful for over 50 years of photos and memories. Please pray for my parents, whose devotion to Mike was boundless, and who will feel this loss most acutely. Michael Smith, you were everything. ❤️
Drummond, 52, added, “Please pray for my parents, whose devotion to Mike was boundless, and who will feel this loss most acutely. Michael Smith, you were everything.”
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She further added to her comments by showing throwback photos of the two sitting together in a wagon, sharing a kiddie smooch, hugging in a car, and an adult photo of Michael.
Ree and Michael’s sister Betsy also posted a throwback photo and remembrance on Instagram, on 3 November 2021 writing, “We lost Michael, my sweet and wonderful brother, this last weekend. He was one of a kind, and he will be missed by so many people who loved him. I’m very thankful for his life, the connections he made and his caring, fun and independent spirit. Love you forever, Mikey.”
No cause of death has yet been released.
Michael had “developmental disabilities,” Drummond wrote of him in her book “The Pioneer Woman, Black Heels to Tractor Wheels” in 2011. But she kept him included in her incipient celebrity life, according to a 2017 piece from the Tulsa World: He appeared on her Food Network show as “Cowboy Mike,” she would dedicate one show to his favorite recipes, and in 2011, Tulsa World reported at the time.
Bartlesville Ambulance Service administrator Dan Dalton also shared a photo of Michael along with some kind words on, 30 October 2021, writing “It is with a sad heart to announce that Bartlesville Icon, Michael Smith, has gone to heaven. He is well known by almost everyone in Bartlesville and other parts of the state and known nationally due to Ree Drummond his famous sister. It is nice to know that he went fast and did not suffer. God has been very good to my favorite buddy. I know he is making lots of new friends in heaven.”
Drummond and her family have had a rollercoaster year. In March, it was a scare that bordered on an accident, which had both her nephew and husband getting injuries. May saw her shed 38 pounds off her frame. Sometime this year, she will be acting in a movie called “Candy Coated Christmas,” which is to be aired on Netflix.
Ree Drummond and her family face a profound loss with the passing of Michael Smith, a beloved brother and community figure. In this time of grief, they appreciate the support and prayers from friends, fans, and community members. Let us honor Michael’s memory by cherishing our loved ones and reaching out to those in need with kindness and support.