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Billy McKnight, the ex boyfriend of country singer Mindy McCready, says the fact she committed suicide isn't shocking.

During an appearance on the Today Show, McKnight said:

    "As sad as it is, it didn’t come as a major shock, because she’s just been battling demons for so long. I was around her when she attempted suicide twice, so I knew it was in her.”


McCready, 37, and McKnight have a six-year-old son together.

According to the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office, McCready died "from what appears to be a single self-inflicted gunshot wound."

The singer has a long history of battling substance abuse.

Fellow country artists Tweeted about McCready's death.

Carrie Underwood wrote, "I grew up listening to Mindy McCready...so sad for her family tonight. Many prayers are going out to them."

Wynonna Judd wrote, "Oh my! Mindy. Dear sweet girl. This is so sad. It just breaks my heart what addiction continues to take from this life."