Jimmie Allen, Charley Pride.Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty
Jimmie Allenis mourning the loss of country legendCharley Pride, whodiedon Saturday at the age of 86 due to complications fromCOVID-19.
The “Best Shot” singer — whoperformed a duetwith Pride last month at theCountry Music Awards— reacted to the tragic news of the three-time Grammy winner’s death in a heartfelt post on his Instagram Story.
“Sometimes we will never understand why certain things happen,” he wrote. “Through the pain we fight to hold onto the memories that were made. Do I always agree with things God allows to take place… hell no, but I trust through the pain of loss that he has a plan of healing and unity.”
“Today is rough,” Allen, 34, added, ending his post with a crying emoji and a broken heart emoji.
Jimmie Allen/Instagram
On Sunday, the singer posted an 18-minute Instagram video where he talked about the legacy of Pride.
“Mr. Charley Pride was a legend. I remember- I think I was 13 or 12. I was with my dad and we were just really getting into music,” he said in part. “I told him I wanted to get into music and he said, ‘There’s someone you need to know’ and he put me onto Charley Pride.”
Allen went on to describe how he loved his voice and once he saw a photo of him, he understood that “it doesn’t matter what people might think you can’t do because of the color of your skin.”
He explained that Pride went from being a hero to later becoming “like a grandfather for me.”
Then on Monday, Allen called out country artists for not talking about Pride’s legacy following his death as they have about other legends who’ve died in recent years.
“What’s bothering me is, I’ve seen so many country artists make posts about other country artists and legends we have lost last few years but some of them have said NOTHING about the Legend, Trailblazer, Opry Member, ACM, CMA, Grammy Winner, Country Hall of Fame icon Charley Pride,” he wrote in a since-deleted tweet.
Fellow Black country starsMickey GuytonandRissi Palmeragreed, both writing, “That part.”
Pride’s final performance was on Nov. 11 when he wasgiven the Lifetime Achievement Awardat the CMAs, which drew controversy for being held indoors despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just several days ahead of the awards show, Allen shared a photo with the country icon. “Catching up with the Legend,” he tweeted. “Charley Pride at CMA Awards Rehearsal.”
And a week before, Allen shared a throwback photo of the country star with a sweet caption. “#CharleyPride,” he tweeted. “Fearless, Inspiration, Courageous, Pioneer.”
Jimmie Allen, Charlie Pride.John Shearer/CMT2020/Getty Images; Jamie Schramm/Country Music Association Inc./Shutterstock
With top hits like “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” and “Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone," Pride was considered a pioneer for Black musicians in country music throughout his career.
In 2000, he became the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Charley Pride.Michael Putland/Getty Images
“I’m so heartbroken that one of my dearest and oldest friends, Charley Pride, has passed away,Dolly Partonwroteon Twitter. “It’s even worse to know that he passed away from COVID-19. What a horrible, horrible virus. Charley, we will always love you. Rest In Peace. My love and thoughts go out to his family and all of his fans.
“We’re saddened to hear about the loss of the legendary Charley Pride,“The Chickswrote. “He was a true gentleman with a kind heart. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. His music has made a huge impact on the three of us and on the world.”
source: people.com
