Heartbroken Dolly Parton Mourns Passing Of Charlie Daniels

Jul 08, 2020 by apost team

News of country music legend Charlie Daniels' passing on Monday has spread by now, with fans all over the world mourning the loss to country music. Dolly Parton, a friend and collaborator of Daniels', posted a heartfelt message to Facebook outlining her heartbreak. In it, she talks about the surprise of losing him and his contribution to country music.

Musician Charlie Daniels, well known for his hit song The Devil Went Down to Georgia, passed away from a hemorrhagic stroke on Monday, July 6 at the age of 83. Revered in the industry, the fiddle player and country music legend was also a popular session musician.

apost.com

Dolly Parton and Charlie Daniels were no strangers. Not only are they two of country music's finest, but they shared a duet titled Daddy's Old Fiddle, which was released on Daniels' album Deuces from 2007. The LP featured duets with a number of popular country musicians, including Parton, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, and Marty Stuart, among others.

Therefore it's no surprise to hear that Dolly took Charlie's death personally. Posting to Facebook, Dolly wrote a touching message about Charlie, stating:

"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"

Charlie had a long and illustrious career, starting in the music industry as a guitarist and fiddler who mostly worked as a session musician. He played on Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline sessions and began to tour with his five-piece band in the early 1970s, allegedly playing up to 250 shows a year. He also played at the White House, the Super Bowl, and internationally in Europe and for the troops in the Middle East.

Another highlight of his career was playing himself in the 1980 movie Urban Cowboy, which starred John Travolta. The film captured the rise of country music in the late '70s and early '80s.

But despite his illustrious and long career, Charlie Daniels will forever be remembered for giving the world The Devil Went Down to Georgia—a truly iconic song. Hitting number one on the country charts in 1979, it even managed to cross over into the pop charts and made it to the top 20 in the UK. It won the Charlie Daniels Band a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance By a Duo or Group and was voted single of the year by the Country Music Association.

The story that is told in the song and the dynamic musical changes throughout, including Charlie Daniels' fiddle playing, is what makes The Devil Went Down to Georgia such an incredible hit even after all these years. Leaving behind a legacy as great as this, Charlie Daniels is a true country music legend.

In honor of the late great musician, listen to his and Dolly's hit Daddy's Old Fiddle down below:

What did you think of Dolly Parton's heartfelt message about Charlie Daniels' passing? Let us know your favorite memory of the late musician down below. Then be sure to pass this on to any of your friends and family who are also fans of his.