Dolly Parton Shocked by Charlie Daniels’ Death: ‘He Was One of the Great People in the Business’

Tributes continue to pour in for Charlie Daniels, after he unexpectedly passed away on Monday, July 6, following a hemorrhagic stroke. Charlie’s good friend, and fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member, Dolly Parton, praised Charlie for his enduring legacy.

“Well, the devil went down to Georgia, but Charlie went straight to heaven,” Dolly shared on social media. “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.”

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Loretta Lynn also spoke out about Charlie’s death, and their lengthy friendship.

“Country music will never be the same,” Loretta said. “Charlie was a heck of an artist. I can’t even begin to count the number of times we worked together. He was so much fun! He was always such a good friend to me and I loved him. We’re all going to miss him so much.”

Vince Gill recalled his early days of working with Charlie, never imagining that their relationship would continue for more than four decades.

“I first met Charlie Daniels in 1976, and then when I was touring as part of Pure Prairie League, we opened a bunch of shows for him,” Vince told Billboard, in a statement he also shared on social media. “I made a great friend in Charlie, and we’ve remained friends for over 40 years — that’s hard to do. He was a great example of loyalty and I’ll miss him.”

Artists including Travis Tritt, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean and more have been sharing their thoughts on the sudden and unexpected loss of Charlie.

“My heart is crushed today after hearing that my dear friend Charlie Daniels has passed away,” Travis wrote. “Charlie was the first legendary artist to take me under his wing and encourage me when I was first getting started in the business. He was always there for me when I needed him. I have so many great memories of touring, performing, writing and recording with Charlie, but my favorite memories are of simply talking with the man when it was just the two of us alone.

“Farewell dear friend until we meet again,” he added. “Thank you for being such a friend, mentor and inspiration to me. I will always be grateful. My deepest condolences go out to the Daniels family, friends and fans.”

Charlie is survived by his wife, Hazel, and son, Charlie Daniels, Jr. Funeral services have yet to be announced.