The country music community is mourning the loss of Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride. The music icon died “of COVID-19 complications” on Saturday (Dec. 12) at the age of 86.
While millions of fans are mourning the loss of the hitmaker, friends of Pride’s and fellow artists are paying homage to the musical icon with beautiful tributes.
His longtime friend, Dolly Parton, was one of the first to pay tribute to Pride with an emotion-filled message, “I’m so heartbroken that one of my dearest and oldest friends, Charley Pride, has passed away. It’s even worse to know that he passed away from COVID-19. What a horrible, horrible virus. Charley, we will always love you. Rest In Peace. My love and thoughts go out to his family and all of his fans.”
Other stars, including Reba McEntire, Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Jay DeMarcus, Aaron Watson, Chris Young, Phil Vassar, Luke Combs, Terri Clark, Sara Evans and more also took time to pay tribute to the late Charley Pride.
Here’s what they had to say:
Rest In Peace. My love and thoughts go out to his family and all of his fans. – Dolly (2/2)
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 12, 2020
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Charley Pride’s “Greatest Hits“ record was on a loop in my childhood home. His was the first live concert I ever…
Posted by Terri Clark on Saturday, December 12, 2020
The most generous, kind, trailblazing man has left us. I met Charley Pride when I was 15. He gave his home phone number…
Posted by Brad Paisley on Saturday, December 12, 2020
I had the pleasure of meeting Charley Pride when I was playing the @opry. I was in awe of his presence and his talent. So saddened by the news of his passing. He was a true legend and trailblazer. His impact on our genre and generations of artists will never be forgotten. Rip
— Luke Combs 🎤 (@lukecombs) December 12, 2020
I’m very VERY sorry to hear the terrible news about Charley Pride.. Kiss An Angel Good Morning is one of my first memories of country music.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) December 12, 2020
Charley Pride was a hero, and a trailblazer in country music. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Charley loved him. He was truly one of the kindest people I've ever met. I am saddened beyond belief. My heart is with Rozene and the family tonight.
— Trisha Yearwood (@trishayearwood) December 12, 2020
Kiss an angel good mornin’. God bless you Charley Pride. Rest In Peace, and thank you for paving the way
— Chase Rice. (@ChaseRiceMusic) December 12, 2020
Charley Pride was an amazing groundbreaking and barrier breaking artist. His amazing legacy and story will be one I’ll tell my grandkids one day. RIP Charley and thanks for the music.
— Travis Denning (@Travis_Denning) December 12, 2020
Charley Pride was an amazing groundbreaking and barrier breaking artist. His amazing legacy and story will be one I’ll tell my grandkids one day. RIP Charley and thanks for the music.
— Travis Denning (@Travis_Denning) December 12, 2020
Charley was a part of my career from the earliest days when I was hanging out with Byron Gallimore at Pride Music Group. Charley was just the nicest man, generous of heart and spirit. So kind. Musically he will always be a legend and one of the country greats. pic.twitter.com/a4sJIbCpmp
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) December 12, 2020
We lost a great one today. pic.twitter.com/4oeebVsLZU
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) December 12, 2020
