The first black superstar of country music, singer Charley Pride, has died. His publicist confirmed that Pride passed away on December 12 in Dallas, Texas, from complications related to COVID-19. He was 86.
Country music’s biggest names, celebrities, and Pride’s fans took to social media Saturday to honor the music legend, who topped the charts with several songs. Among those who quickly paid tribute as the news shocked the country music world were country music’s living queens: Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.
Parton extended her condolences to the country legend’s friends and family by writing a touching message on Twitter.
“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,” she wrote.
