Charlie Daniels had countless friends in the country music community, including Trace Adkins. Trace, who was asked to perform at both the Patriotic Community Service and the public memorial honoring Charlie’s life, said the loss of the country music icon is something he is still trying to accept.

“I’m still kind of in shock,” Trace told WKRN. “It’s a different world now without Charlie Daniels in it. I can’t even put the loss into words. Not since I lost my father have I felt this way about losing somebody. It’s a heavy blow,”

Trace will also miss the wise counsel Charlie gave him over the years, which Trace said was always exactly what he needed to hear.

“I turned to him for advice and his advice was always grounded in integrity and it was just steeped in wisdom, but tempered with humility and not many people have the ability to do that,” Trace acknowledged. I just thought the world of him, loved him to death and I’m going to miss him terribly.”

Trace also spoke out about Charlie on social media, shortly after the news of Charlie’s death was announced.

“Today I have a very heavy heart as I reflect on the legendary Charlie Daniels,” Trace shared. “It’s true that meeting your heroes is dangerous because more often than not, they disappoint you. Charlie was the exception. I absolutely cherished his friendship.

“I could write a book about the positive influence he had on my life, but today I’ll just say that I miss him already,” he continued. “Love you, Charlie.”

Charlie passed away on Monday, July 6, from a hemorrhagic stroke. The family requests donations be made to the Journey Home Project, a foundation that Charlie started to help those in the military.