Charley Pride, whose rich baritone voice and impeccable song-sense altered American culture, passed away Saturday, December 12, 2020, in Dallas, Texas of complications from COVID-19 at age 86.
Charley Pride's family and close friends will hold a private wake and memorial in Dallas this week, with future plans for a public celebration of life memorial ceremony to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to The Pride Scholarship at Jesuit College Preparatory School, St. Phillips School and Community center, any local food bank, or the charity of your choice.
CMT Remembers Charley Pride
As part of a special tribute announced today by CMT, ' CMT Remembers Charley Pride' is a celebration honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of one of the most influential, decorated, and impactful country artists in the history of the genre. Featuring three decades of interviews and commentary from Pride himself, blended alongside archival footage of his greatest hits and most memorable performances, the half-hour event follows the Country Music Hall of Famer from his humble beginnings in Mississippi to his rise to CMA Entertainer of the Year with an unprecedented string of hits. Despite facing pervasive racism throughout this legendary career, Pride's perseverance and unmatched talent transcended generations, broke down barriers, and blazed a new path for black country artists.
The special will include appearances and footage from some of Pride's closest friends, colleagues, and admirers, including Darius Rucker, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, and more, alongside his beloved family, his wife Rozene, son Dion, sister Maxine and his brother Joe.
This will air Wednesday, December 16th at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT on CMT. The special will receive two encore presentations: Thursday, December 17th (9 AM ET / 8 AM CT) and Saturday, December 19th (12 PM ET/11 AM CT).
For more information, visit CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.