Country music stars are mourning the loss of country icon Charley Pride, who died on Saturday (December 12) due to complications from COVID-19.
Quickly after the heartbreaking news was announced, many artists including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, and more turned to social media to remember Pride's impact on country music.
"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," Parton wrote on Twitter, adding, "Rest In Peace. My love and thoughts go out to his family and all of his fans."
On Twitter, McEntire remembered Pride for his "great music, wonderful personality and his big heart," also noting that he will "always be a legend in Country music."
Meanwhile, Paisley turned to Instagram to recall a special moment he shared with Pride as a teenager. "The most generous, kind, trailblazing man has left us," Paisley wrote alongside a photo of him playing guitar next to Pride. "I met Charley Pride when I was 15. He gave his home phone number to my dad, and said 'I’d love to help your son.' And help he did. I am so blessed to have had so many memories with him. I’m devastated."
He added, "You changed country music for the better, Charley. And you changed this kid’s life. We love you."
Many other artists and celebrities also paid tribute to Pride on social media including Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, Tanya Tucker, Tim McGraw, Kane Brown, Keith Urban, and many more. Scroll down to see some of the heartfelt tributes from the country music community.
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