On Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, country music legend Charley Pride, the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, died at age 86 due to complications from COVID-19 in Dallas, Texas.
Throughout his storied career in country music, Pride was a trailblazer in the industry — along with being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000, Pride charted 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1969 and 1974, while earning a whopping 29 No. 1 hits on the Hot Country Songs charts throughout his career. The star’s last live performance came at the 2020 Country Music Association Awards, when Pride took home a lifetime achievement award and performed his single “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” with Jimmie Allen.
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Country stars like Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Luke Combs and more took to their social media to mourn the loss of Pride on Saturday.
“The most generous, kind, trailblazing man has left us,” Brad Paisley wrote on his Instagram. “I am so blessed to have had so many memories with him. I’m devastated. You changed country music for the better, Charley. And you changed this kid’s life.We love you.”
Here’s what stars had to say about the loss of Charley Pride:
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
Charley Pride will always be a legend in Country music. He will truly be missed but will always be remembered for his great music, wonderful personality and his big heart. My thoughts are with his wife Rozene and their family. RIP, Charley. pic.twitter.com/2IYFfx4kLo
— Reba McEntire (@reba) December 12, 2020
As a man, he’ll always be an inspiration. He worked hard no matter what obstacle he faced and his willingness to break down racial barriers changed our world for the better. We love you and thank you. Our hearts go out to Rozene and the family. We will miss you Charley. pic.twitter.com/sidAai0vzn
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) 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
We lost a great one today. pic.twitter.com/4oeebVsLZU
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) 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
What a sweet & legendary man. Whenever he saw you he would offer a smile & tell you your birthday. I don’t know how he remembered, but he always did…I’m so glad I got a few chances to be in the presence of Charley. Rest In Peace & sing with the angels… https://t.co/SOfMJ950sP
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) December 13, 2020
We’re saddened to hear about the loss of the legendary Charley Pride. He was a true gentleman with a kind heart. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. His music has made a huge impact on the three of us and on the world. #CharleyPride pic.twitter.com/Q2g7bu72Zn
— The Chicks (@thechicks) December 13, 2020
So saddened to hear about the passing of Charley Pride. Prayers for his wife Rozene and his family.
— Martina McBride (@martinamcbride) December 12, 2020
Just learning of the passing of another one of our legends in Country Music. I can’t imagine what this man went through as a Black Country Music artist trying to break into this business, but what a career he had. RIP Mr. Charley Pride. pic.twitter.com/noOQJzgaMm
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) December 12, 2020
The last time I spoke to my good friend and legend Charley Pride. We met in ‘92 playing shows together in Australia. His beloved sweetheart Rosie by his side. A gentleman… legend and true trail blazer. With much respect #RIP pic.twitter.com/dewMqcC6Rk
— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) December 12, 2020
Very sad to hear of the passing of a country legend, Mr Charlie Pride. He was very kind to me early in my career, and his boldness and leadership as an African American country artist broke down many barriers for artists that followed. He will be greatly missed. #RIPCharliePride pic.twitter.com/CJVwaxvXnQ
— John Rich (@johnrich) December 12, 2020
Singing with legends and friends when the CMAs hit Carnegie Hall, November 2005. RIP Charley Pride pic.twitter.com/H1EanoBOqt
— Trisha Yearwood (@trishayearwood) December 12, 2020
RIP Mr. Pride. Grateful for you🙏. God bless. https://t.co/uM6T5hL90D
— Kristian Bush (@kristianbush) December 12, 2020
Oh, man. #CharleyPride Thank you did all the great music. RIP. #fuckcovid
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) December 12, 2020
I had the honor of meeting Charley Pride several times over the years… absolutely gutted to hear of his passing #RIP
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) December 12, 2020
RIP Charlie Pride. Country music lost one of the greats. Prayers for his family. 💙 pic.twitter.com/kx2eARZBhO
— Sara Evans (@saraevansmusic) December 12, 2020
Saddened to hear the news that legendary Charley Pride has died. My heart breaks as 2020 gets worse. #RIP @opry family.
— Chris Janson (@janson_chris) December 12, 2020
Dang. One of the great honors Ive had in nashville was being asked to speak about Mr Pride on his PBS documentary. I’d implore you guys to just see how great he was … at many things . . Music, sports, business. And the many challenges he overcame to be elite. RIP Charley Pride https://t.co/HW9AYrM2c5
— Bobby Bones (@mrBobbyBones) December 12, 2020
When I met #CharleyPride I immediately noticed how kind he was. I told him I was a fan of his music and my Mom loved his music. She had only a few cassette tapes and a few of them were of his music.
In respect.
RIP, Mr. Pride pic.twitter.com/ZmFZd2TZeE— JIMMY WAYNE (@JimmyWayne) December 12, 2020
RIP Charley Pride…. I shot a commercial with Charley once in Fort Worth!! Class act all the way!! #legend
— Casey Donahew (@caseydband) December 12, 2020
Kiss an angel good morning & love her like the devil when you get back home… RIP to the legend Charley Pride.
— Flatland Cavalry (@FlatlandCavalry) December 12, 2020
Heartbroken to hear about Charley Pride. We just watched you on the CMA Awards. You have touched so many lives, and your music will continue to do just that. #CharleyPride pic.twitter.com/8zkUPcv5j3
— chevel 😉 (@officialchevel) December 12, 2020