The Grand Ole Opry Pays Tribute to Charley Pride As Stars React to His Death
A touching tribute indeed.
Just hours after the news about Charley Pride’s passing was released, the Grand Ole Opry dedicated its weekly Saturday night show to the country music legend.
The lineup for the evening consisted of live performances from Chris Young, Brett Young, Scotty McCreery, Dennis Quaid and Mark Wills on the iconic stage. Each of the artists took a moment to remember the life and legacy of Pride, and honored his impact within the genre by devoting songs to the late great singer.
“Thank you to tonight’s performers for dedicating songs in honor and remembrance of Opry member Charley Pride tonight,” the Opry tweeted with a red heart emoji.
Throughout the hour-long broadcast, Pride’s unprecedented career was highlighted with special facts about his time in the industry.
“By the time Charley became a Grand Ole Opry member in 1993, he had not just amassed countless hits and awards, but had opened minds, superseded prejudice and had become an American icon,” Opry host Natalie Stovall explained.
Young even played one of Pride’s most famous singles, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin,'” at the end of the show.
Not only did the Opry put on a show for Pride’s fantastic career, but many country stars mourned the loss of the legend with sentimental social media messages throughout the weekend. One of the most notable tributes came from another veteran in the genre, Dolly Parton.
“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 tweeted. “Rest In Peace. My love and thoughts go out to his family and all of his fans.”
Pride died Saturday in his Dallas home due to complications of COVID-19, according to a press release. He was 86.
Check out how other country artists reacted to the news of Pride’s death below.
https://twitter.com/MarenMorris/status/1337941863047761922
https://twitter.com/ShaniaTwain/status/1338116462335111170
