Charlie Daniels: Country Music Hall of Fame legend passes away at 83 after suffering stroke
Country Music legend Charlie Daniels died at the age of 83 on Monday, July 6, after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke, according to reports. The representatives of the singer, best known for his 1979 hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia," announced that he died at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Daniels is survived by his wife, Hazel, and son, Charlie Daniels, Jr.
The acclaimed Country Music Hall of Fame legend also had a membership of the Grand Ole Opry among his various accolades. Daniels also won a Dove Award for gospel albums.
Shortly after the news of Daniels' demise broke, multiple musicians, including singer-songwriter Chris Young took to Twitter to express his grief. "Absolutely gutted to hear the news of @CharlieDaniels passing this morning... what a life lived, and what an incredible human being. He will be sorely missed," he wrote.
The country vocal quartet The Oak Ridge Boys wrote: "This is devastating news ... our brother Charlie Daniels has gone home ... hard to process this immeasurable loss ... goodbye Charlie ... until that glorious day ... We KNOW where you are now ..."
"Few artists have left a more indelible mark on America's musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. An outspoken patriot, beloved mentor, and a true road warrior, Daniels parlayed his passion for music into a multi-platinum career and a platform to support the military, underprivileged children, and others in need,” a statement released by Daniels’ representatives stated. "The Charlie Daniels Band has long populated radio with memorable hits and his signature song, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."
The country singer, over the years, had also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for veterans and had established a Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University.
"Daniels helped to shine the spotlight on the many causes that are close to his heart," the statement added. "He was a staunch supporter of the military and gave his time and talent to numerous charitable organizations, including The Journey Home Project, that he founded in 2014 with his manager, David Corlew, to help veterans of the United States Armed Forces."