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How did Charley Pride die? Dolly Parton, Billy Ray Cyrus pay tribute to superstar dead at 86: ‘I’m so heartbroken’

Charley Pride's publicist confirmed that the singer died on December 12 in Dallas, Texas, because of complications related to coronavirus

Singer Charley Pride, one of the Black superstars of country music, died on Saturday, December 12. He was 86. His publicist confirmed that the singer died on December 12 in Dallas, Texas, because of complications related to coronavirus.

Pride was born in Sledge, Mississippi, in 1934. His parents were sharecroppers and went on to work on cotton fields, play professional baseball, and serve in the US Army before moving to Nashville in 1963 to pursue a career in music. Within a few years, he became a well-known name in country music. He won three Grammys during his career. In 2000, he became the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, according to The Guardian.

Some of his hits include ‘Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’, ‘Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone’ and ‘Mountain of Love’. He won the Country Music Association’s entertainer of the year award in 1971, its top male vocalist prize in 1971 and 1972, and was awarded the lifetime achievement prize in 2020. A few weeks back, in what is now his final performance, Pride sang ‘Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’ during the CMA Awards show at Nashville’s Music City Center on November 11. It was a duet with Jimmie Allen, a rising Black Country musician.

A statement was released on behalf of CMA and representatives of Pride. It read: “Everyone affiliated with the CMA Awards followed strict testing protocols outlined by the city health department and unions. Charley was tested prior to traveling to Nashville. He was tested upon landing in Nashville, and again on show day, with all tests coming back negative. After returning to Texas following the CMA Awards, Charley again tested negative multiple times. All of us in the Country Music community are heartbroken by Charley’s passing. Out of respect for his family during their grieving period, we will not be commenting on this further.”
 
Tributes started pouring in for him. Dolly Parton tweeted, “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 added, “Rest In Peace. My love and thoughts go out to his family and all of his fans. – Dolly.” Billy Ray Cyrus wrote: “The last time I spoke to my good friend and legend Charley Pride. We met in ‘92 playing shows together in Australia. His beloved sweetheart Rosie by his side. A gentleman... legend and true trail blazer. With much respect #RIP.”

A user said, “How sad, it looks like 2020 takes another blessed musical voice away from us, Mr. #CharleyPride ... "THANX MUCH" for gracing us with your historically soulful voice & memorable career of songs---#RIP knowing we'll kiss an angel good mornin' & think of you!” Another said, “Sad to find out that the trail blazing legend Charley Pride has left us. He break barriers, pave the way for country music to be more inclusive with a unique beautiful voice. Mountain of Love is my Charley favourite song. Condolences to his family. Rest In Paradise Charley Pride.”