Photo Courtesy of The Tennessean
Preston Hollow neighbor and country music legend Charley Pride passed away last night from COVID-19 according to his publicist, Jeremy Westby. He was 86.
Pride, who was recently awarded the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Country Music Association, was known for his songs like “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin” and “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone.”
A trailblazer for Black artists in the country industry, Pride is considered to be the first Black country superstar. Along with his countless smash hits, his indelible mark on the country industry includes being the first Black host of the CMA Awards, the first Black inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame and one of the few Black members of the Grand Ole Opry.
He also inspired and paved the way for countless country artists, many of who shared their condolences on Twitter.
My heart is so heavy. Charley Pride was an icon a legend and any other word u wanna use for his greatness. He destroyed Barriers and did things that no one had ever done. But today I’m thinking of my friend. Heaven just got one of the finest people I know. I miss and love u CP!
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) December 13, 2020
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
Heartbreaking. I truly loved my friend, Charley Pride. The world will never be the same. He was one of the very best things that ever happened to country music. I'm all tears tonight. #charleypride #KissAnAngelGoodMorning #ihatecovid19 pic.twitter.com/5iOdJNbDuv
— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) December 13, 2020
Pride is survived by his wife, Ebby Rozene Cohran Pride, and children, Carlton, Charles and Angela.
The Pride family is asking for donations to The Pride Scholarship at Jesuit College Preparatory School or St. Phillips School and Community Center in lieu of flowers and gifts.
