Venerable country singer Eddy Arnold died early Thursday at an assisted living facility outside of Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 89. Arnold's wife of 66 years, Sally Gayhart Arnold, preceded in him in death just a month and a half earlier. Beloved by many, Arnold sold more than 80 million albums throughout his career, and from 1945 through 1983 he had 145 charted songs, including 28 No. 1 hits. His tremendous success is owed to his rich baritone voice and his sweet love songs, somewhat uncommon in an era of singing cowboys more interested in honky tonk than heartache. A staple at the Grand Ole Opry, Arnold is credited in part for introducing country music to a broader audience. The singer leaves behind an estate estimated to be in excess of $40 million. In 2005, Arnold recorded his 100th album, After All These Years.