Country music has lost so many legends in 2020. Now, the genre has lost yet another one of its iconic artists.
Sadly, Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride passed away on Saturday (December 12) at the age of 86. CMT reported the news, saying he died as a result of “complications from COVID-19.”
Charley Pride, country music's first black superstar, dies of Covid-19 complications #RIPCharleyPride https://t.co/UCdwsSoANV
— CMT (@CMT) December 12, 2020
Since then, Charley’s team has released a statement about his passing. They shared this statement on his official Facebook page.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm that Charley Pride passed away this morning, Saturday, December 12, 2020, in Dallas, Texas of complications from Covid-19 at age 86,” the statement read.
Charley’s team said he was admitted to the hospital at the end of November when he was exhibiting “Covid-19 type symptoms.”
“Despite the incredible efforts, skill and care of his medical team over the past several weeks, he was unable to overcome the virus,” the statement read.
Charley’s team then recognized his survivors, including his wife of over 60 years, Rozene, and their three children, Carlton, Dion, and Angela. He is also survived by two of his brothers, two of his sisters, his five grandchildren, his two great-grandchildren, and his “numerous” nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Charley’s team said fans wishing to pay tribute to him can do so by donating to one of the following places or the charity of their choice:
- The Pride Scholarship at Jesuit College Preparatory School
- St. Philips School and Community Center
- The Food Bank
You can read the full statement from Charley’s team below.
The Country Music Hall of Fame shared a video of one of Charley’s performances as an “in memoriam” tribute to him. Please enjoy that video below.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Charley’s family, friends, and all who loved him.