Trump remembers Charlie Daniels as 'a true American patriot' in personal letter to late country star's widow
President Donald Trump reportedly sent a personal letter of condolence to the legendary country star, Charlie Daniels' widow. Hazel Daniels revealed that Trump sent her a letter on July 17 after her husband died at the age of 83 from a hemorrhagic stroke on July 6. Hazel, on Thursday, July 23, shared the contents of the letter on the Instagram account for her late husband’s longtime band, The Charlie Daniels Band.
Trump's letter began with: "Dear Hazel, I was saddened to learn of the loss of your beloved husband, Charlie, and send my deepest condolences. Charlie will forever be remembered as a true American patriot, and his contributions to country music will be celebrated for generations. He inspired many Americans with his unyielding support of our brave men and women in uniform. Your husband reminded us that we must honor those who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms. Our great Nation depends on artists like Charlie, who promote love of country. He will be greatly missed.”
“During this difficult time, the first lady and I send our prayers to you, your family, and all who loved Charlie. May his music continue to reverberate in the hearts of countless Americans,” the letter added. Hazel, through the Instagram post, thanked Trump for his letter, writing: "Mr. President, we are honored that you would think of us in our time of grieving. Thank you so much, @realdonaldtrump."
The representative of the late singer, best known for his 1979 hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia," earlier this month, announced that Daniels died at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. "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 his representatives stated. "The Charlie Daniels Band has long populated radio with memorable hits and his signature song, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."
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 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."
The acclaimed Country Music Hall of Fame legend had a membership of the Grand Ole Opry among his various accolades. Daniels also won a Dove Award for gospel albums. The late singer is survived by his wife, Hazel, and son, Charlie Daniels, Jr.
