Ree Drummond, widely known as The Pioneer Woman, has built a remarkable career as a celebrity chef, cookbook author, and television personality. Her journey from a popular blog to a Food Network star and a successful retail brand is truly inspiring. However, alongside her professional triumphs, Ree Drummond and her family have faced personal sorrow in recent years. This includes the heartbreaking loss of her older brother, Michael Smith.
The Passing of Michael Smith: A Brother Remembered
Ree and Michael together as children
Michael Drummond, Ree Drummond’s older brother, passed away on October 30, 2021, at the age of 54. While the specific cause of death was not publicly disclosed, a friend, Dan Dalton, shared in a social media tribute that Michael’s passing was quick and without suffering. Dan Dalton was among the first to publicly acknowledge Michael’s death, followed by Ree’s sister, Betsy, who posted on Instagram on November 2nd. Ree Drummond herself later addressed the loss in a heartfelt Facebook post.
Ree Drummond’s Emotional Tribute to Her Brother
Following Michael Smith’s death, Ree Drummond shared a touching statement on social media, expressing the deep bond she shared with her brother.
Black and white photo of two young children sat in a cart, Ree is on the left and her brother is on the right, reaching out to touch her cheek
“Michael Smith, you were everything,” Ree wrote in her emotional tribute. She acknowledged the difficulty in summarizing the life of someone as wonderful as Michael, stating, “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.” Ree fondly remembered Michael as her “first friend and buddy,” being just seventeen months older, and expressed gratitude for “over 50 years of photos and memories.” In her message, she also asked for prayers for her parents, recognizing their profound devotion to Michael and the depth of their loss.
Remembering Michael Smith: A Beloved Community Member
Michael Smith was not only Ree Drummond’s brother but also a cherished member of his community in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where the Drummond family grew up. He was known to have special needs and was a much-loved figure, particularly recognized for his keen interest in local first responders.
Ree Drummond
The Washington County Emergency Management Agency honored Michael with a tribute, calling him a “legend and icon” who would be deeply missed. Similarly, the Bartlesville Professional Firefighters Union recognized Michael as “one of a kind” and expressed their sadness at losing their friend. For Ree Drummond’s followers, Michael was also a familiar face, having appeared on The Pioneer Woman show and frequently mentioned in her blog. Ree’s younger sister, Betsy, also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, describing Michael as “one of a kind” and celebrating his “caring, fun and independent spirit.”
The tragic passing of Michael Smith is a poignant reminder that even amidst success and fame, personal loss can touch anyone. Ree Drummond and her family have openly shared their grief, allowing fans to connect with them on a deeper, human level.
