Heartfelt tributes are being expressed in prepared statements and on social media.
Tributes to Charlie Daniels by fellow country artists and other public figures continue to appear on social media and in prepared statements. Among the many we’ve seen since Daniels passed away Monday morning at age 83:
George Strait: “So sad to lose Charlie today. Such a great entertainer and a great human being. Cowboy too. We’ll miss you Charlie Daniels!”
Dolly Parton: “Well, the devil went down to Georgia, but Charlie went straight to heaven. My heart, like many millions of others, is broken today to find out that we've lost our dear friend Charlie Daniels. It was such a shock. He was one of the great people in the business and one of the greatest entertainers ever. He will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, Charlie. — Dolly.”
Blake Shelton: “Just when I thought 2020 couldn’t break my heart anymore... Charlie Daniels you will always be an American hero. Rest In Peace sir.”
Dennis Quaid: “Charlie Daniels was a life force. His music was ancient and modern all at once and overlapped every genre. He was a giver to those in need and those who showed promise. A great patriot, an authentic American.”
Bill Anderson: “Charlie was a big ol’ teddy bear... one of the kindest, gentlest people I've ever known... with a wonderful sense of humor and a great outlook on life. I’ve played golf with him, shared the Opry stage with him, sat alongside him at the Titans football games, and always marveled at his talent and his tenacity. There's a big ol’ hole in lots of our hearts today with the news of his passing.”
Tanya Tucker: “Charlie Daniels was someone you could lean on at any time or ask his advice. I am so blessed to have known him as a peer, as a friend and performed with him many times. ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia,’ well, the devil never had a chance! And now Charlie is playing that fiddle with the heavenly angels in the Big Man’s band. Someday I’ll see you again, Charlie.”
Bobby Bare: “Charlie’s been like a brother to me since the early ‘70s. He’s one of the greatest, kindest people I’d ever met in my life. Not only Charlie — but he surrounded himself with incredible people that I love, especially his wife Hazel. We did a duet of a song Charlie wrote called 'Willie Jones' and it was one of the most fun studio sessions I’ve been in. I’ve always loved playing Volunteer Jams through the years — I will miss my dear friend.”
Randy Travis: “Charlie Daniels was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. He and Hazel have been two of my and Mary’s dearest friends over the past years. We laughed, cried and prayed together. Not only was he a gift to us, but to the entire world. A few years ago, Charlie had a colt born on my birthday and named him after me. The memories go on and on, so I'll leave it at this — Charlie, thank you for everything you've done for me, your endless support of us, your unconditional love, and the sweet memories. It is my greatest honor to be your Country Music Hall of Fame classmate — you will live on forever as my hero… my friend. I love you.”
Mickey Gilley: “Charlie Daniels was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met and worked with. He was in Urban Cowboy with us and did an awesome job. He was a real friend and he’ll be greatly missed be missed — what a talent.”
Jerry Lee Lewis: “Charlie Daniels was an incredible musician, entertainer and friend. I was thrilled to get to know him on the road and in the studio throughout our careers. He will always be remembered as a patriot, and a faith-filled Christian above all else.”
The Bellamy Brothers: “We are very sad today at the news of Charlie Daniels’ passing. Charlie was a great entertainer, great friend, and a great American.”
Tim McGraw: “Oh man, sad to hear about Charlie Daniels’ passing…I grew up on his music... brilliant songs and smokin’ records. And always, without fail, every time I had the pleasure of being around him, he was one of most genuine, kind and thoughtful folks I’ve ever run across.”
Ricky Skaggs: “One of my favorite people on this earth Charlie Daniels has gone on to his eternal reward today. Oh, how he will be missed at the Grand Ole Opry and everywhere else he was loved. Charlie, thank you for being a Patriot, a Statesman, a Christian, a friend, a father, a husband to Miss Hazel, and a great maker of music that will live on for generations. You made an indelible mark in this life, and you will be missed my brother.”
Jamey Johnson: “Thank you Charlie Daniels for teaching us all the difference between a violin and a fiddle. I hope you enjoy your new one made of gold.”
Scooter Brown: “I grew up listening to Charlie Daniels. I never thought back then that he would become a friend and a mentor. He is the definition of 'Salt of the Earth.' His music touched millions, his kindness was always felt and his patriotism was second to none. I'll always be grateful for the opportunities he's given me in the music business. We have lost a true legend and I will miss him dearly.”
Sammy Kershaw: “The music community has lost one of its greatest American icons today. Charlie Daniels is one of those artists whose music will never die. He was also one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life and also a great Patriot. God bless him. Charlie Daniels was statue material.”
T.G. Sheppard: “Charlie was one of the most talented, kindest, patriotic and spiritual people I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling a friend. Whether I was doing shows with him from the Opry stage or on a stage in faraway Japan, he always remained the consummate performer. The void he leaves in our business is enormous, and I know the music he will make in heaven will be overwhelming. Rest easy my friend.”
Ronnie Milsap: “Charlie Daniels embodied the fire of the South. He blurred lines between rock and country, when rock didn’t think country was cool, and his Volunteer Jams weren’t just legendary, they brought people from both of those worlds together. He was a patriot, a proud American, a world class musician, an incredible showman, as well as a wonderful father, husband, grandpa and friend. We're all so sad to lose him, but if I know Charlie, he’s up in heaven, rosining up his bow and getting ready to let those fingers fly! Godspeed, my friend, you’re home.”
Larry Gatlin: “If there were a Southern Rock/Country/GOD fearing Patriot/Good old boy on Mt. Rushmore, Charlie Daniels’ likeness would be hammered, chiseled, and blasted onto it. We would follow him into battle. We would not follow him on stage. We couldn’t... no one else could either...‘nuff said. Heaven has never rocked like its ROCKIN’ right now. Charlie old friend, we’ll see you when we do. Rock on, friend.”
