Country singer Wayne Mills of the Wayne Mills Band fatally shot by bar owner Chris Ferrell

Country singer Wayne Mills was shot and killed at a Nashville, Tennessee bar in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police confirmed he was shot by Pit and Barrel bar owner Chris Ferrell, who said he shot him in self defense after an argument over smoking.

Mills, of the Wayne Mills Band, 44, passed away at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA Today reports. He is survived by a wife and son.

Police spokesperson Chris Mumford said, “We’re investigating Chris Ferrell’s claims of self-defense.” No arrests have been made in the death of Mills.

Mills’ band’s manager J.R. Smith told CNN of his client’s fatal bullet wound to the head, "I hope justice is served.”

At the time of his death, Mills had been working on his seventh album Long Hard Road and touring. His website states, "Wayne Mills by definition is one that is a stiff-necked, country troubadour with an affinity for honky-tonks and possessing a style of rustic simplicity.”

Police are investigating Ferrell and his assertion the shot was in self-defense.