Charley Pride’s death from COVID-19 prompts condolences and concerns from country music stars

The death of pioneer country singer Charley Pride elicited the expected outpouring of condolences and grief from musicians (and politicians), but also concerns from some country performers.

Pride, who died in Dallas on Dec. 12 of complications due to COVID-19, performed Nov. 11 at the CMA Awards, where he received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award and performed one of his signature songs, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’,” with current hitmaker Jimmie Allen. Many attendees were seen during the indoor show not wearing masks, and Maren Morris and Mickey Guyton speculated online that Pride could have caught the virus at the event.

The CMA and representatives for Pride released a statement that the country legend - the first Black performer inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame - was tested for COVID-19 numerous times before, during and after his time in Nashville.

The statement concluded, “Out of respect for his family during their grieving period, we will not be commenting on this further.”

Pride was 86.

Here are some of the comments from his peers in the music community.

We need answers as to how Charley Pride got covid.
— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) December 12, 2020

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

I’m so sad to learn that Charley Pride has passed away at the age of 86. Charley opened doors for so many artists and I was proud to record with him and to know him as my friend. He will be sorely missed, but his music will live on forever. Deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/rgXppJW2pN
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) December 12, 2020

Charley Pride, So blessed to first get to know you as a guest on the #DonnyAndMarie show in the 70s and through the years. May your songs live on forever and country music continue to honor you dear friend! 🙏🏼 #RIP pic.twitter.com/wMkD7WBkVk
— Marie Osmond (@marieosmond) 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

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

Former President George. W Bush remembers Charley Pride. pic.twitter.com/QEZuY8XVmT
— Kelly O'Donnell (@KellyO) 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

It’s such a sad day saying so long to #CharleyPride. I’m just so thankful I got to sing a song with him. That’s where this pic was taken. I also narrated his I’ll Be Me documentary. My heart, my love, my soul... everything goes out to Rozene and the entire Pride family.
❤️🌹 pic.twitter.com/gv6RmTV7y4
— Tanya Tucker (@tanyatucker) 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

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

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