Pride, who rose to fame in the 1960s, passed away on Saturday in Dallas of complications from COVID-19, according to Jeremy Westby of the public relations firm 2911 Media.
“Kiss an Angel Good Morning” helped sell millions of records and made Pride the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
While Pride was not the first black singer in country music, he became one of its biggest stars during a period of division in the US. —CBS NEWS
He won three Grammy Awards, followed by a lifetime achievement award in 2017.
Pride was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000 – the second African-American to become a member.
Dolly Parton, who described Pride as “one of my dearest and oldest friends, said she was “heartbroken” at the news of his death.
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. (1/2)
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 12, 2020
Rest In Peace. My love and thoughts go out to his family and all of his fans. – Dolly (2/2)
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 12, 2020
