Country superstar Charley Pride has died from COVID-19 complications.
He was 86 years old.
He was the Country Music Hall of Fame’s first Black inductee and sang on dozens of number-one hit songs. Pride was also one of three African-American members of the Grand Ole Opry.
Pride performed his song “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” at the Country Music Association Awards last month. The CMA says in a statement that Pride and other attendees were repeatedly tested for COVID-19 before the show and after returning home.
Fellow country star Dolly Parton is sending her condolences to his family, calling him one of her “dearest and oldest friends.”
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. (1/2)
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 12, 2020
Musicians like Reba McEntire are remembering him for his impact as the first Black country star.
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 (@reba) December 12, 2020
Actor Whoopi Goldberg calls him a driving force in country music.
My friend Charlie Pride passed away today. He was a man i very much admired because he took the road less traveled by becoming not just a country singer but a driving force in county music. More than 50 of his songs have been in the top 10 AND nearly his music has hit#1 30 times
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) December 12, 2020
