Welcome to The Boot's News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres.

In the city of San Antonio — and everywhere else in Texas — George Strait will forever be king. Taste of Country reports that a giant new mural on the northern portion of the city's St. Mary's Strip depicts Strait as actual royalty, complete with a crown atop his signature cowboy hat, royal robes and a golden staff. It was painted by artist Matt Tumlinson.

Lauren Alaina City of Hope game
Rick Diamond, Getty Images
loading...

After 28 years as a CMA Fest staple, the annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game will be taking a hiatus in 2019 "as we consider our plans for next year," according to a statement. Organizers add, "City of Hope is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with cancer, diabetes and other serious diseases. As a nonprofit organization, we are grateful for the support our annual Celebrity Softball Game has received over the past 28 years from incredible participants, sponsors, partners and fans."

Billy Adams dead
Courtesy of CDA Publicity & Marketing
loading...

Rockabilly Hall of Famer Billy Adams has died. According to a press release, Adams passed away on March 30 at Westmoreland Care and Nursing Home in Westmoreland, Tenn., at the age of 79. The son of a coal miner, Adams became a rockabilly legend thanks to songs including 1957's "Rock, Pretty Mama" and "That's My Baby." Adams continued his career for decades, recording Legacy in 2000. Funeral services were held to celebrate the life of the Kentucky music icon on April 1.

Amy Grant and Vince Gill
Rick Diamond, Getty Images
loading...

Vince Gill and Amy Grant will continue their Christmas tradition at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The duo's Christmas at the Ryman concert series has been a Nashville staple for years, and in 2019, they'll return for 12 shows, including three matinees, beginning on Dec. 11. “Vince and I are thrilled to be able to return to the Ryman Auditorium for the holidays again this year,” Grant says in a statement. "We look forward to these shows because they are a great time to connect with family and friends and continue a Nashville tradition." Tickets for Christmas at the Ryman go on sale on April 5.

2016 ACM Awards performers
Terry Wyatt / Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images
loading...

Jason Aldean, Kid Rock and Tim McGraw will headline the 2019 Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam. Set for Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at Panama City Beach, Fla.'s Frank Brown Park, organizers of the seventh annual festival will donate $10 from each ticket purchased to relief efforts benefiting those impacted by Hurricane Michael in 2018. Additional acts for the three-day festival are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, and tickets will officially be on sale on April 7.

More From KXRB