Country rocker and fiddler Charlie Daniels died Monday morning (July 6) from a hemorrhagic stroke, his publicist confirmed. He was 83.
As the news of his death spread, country artists remembered the legendary musician and his impact.
“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. I made a great friend in Charlie, and we’ve remained friends for over 40 years — that’s hard to do,” Vince Gill tells Billboard. “He was a great example of loyalty and I’ll miss him.”
Luke Combs shared on Twitter, “The country music flag is flying at half mast today,” regarding the news of Daniels’ passing, while Aaron Watson and Jamey Johnson wrote they imagined “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” legend “fiddlin’ in heaven” with his “new one made of gold.”
Brad Paisley remembered the words of praise he wrote for Daniels’ autobiography Never Look at the Empty Seats: A Memoir from 2017. “A tale of hard work, musical discovery, and faith, Charlie Daniels’s journey has been one of a kind,” the note read from Paisley’s Twitter tribute along with photos of the two country singers over the years. “Equal parts rebel rouser and apostle, it’s no small coincidence he launched his career by beating the Devil with a fiddle in hand. I love this man, the things he stands for, and his music. What a story.”
See the stars’ reactions to Daniels’ death below.
I wrote these words for Charlie’s biography. They ring even more true now.
I’m so sad he’s gone.
We have so many memories together, and I am so blessed to have known him.
Rest In Peace my friend. We love you. @CharlieDaniels pic.twitter.com/3Pg5eWPtIf— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) July 6, 2020
The country music flag is flying at half mast today. RIP Charlie Daniels.
— Luke Combs 🎤 (@lukecombs) July 6, 2020
Charlie Daniels was the nicest country artist I’ve ever had the chance to spend moments around. His music and talent speaks for itself, but boys and girls it’s the legacy you leave behind and your character. It doesn’t get better than Charlie Daniels. Rest In Peace Charlie. 😢
— jakeowen.eth (@jakeowen) July 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/ParkerMcCollum/status/1280183672407195653?s=20
This is devastating news … our brother Charlie Daniels has gone home … hard to process this immeasurable loss … goodbye Charlie … until that glorious day … We KNOW where you are now … pic.twitter.com/S4etkqiMur
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) July 6, 2020
I am saddened beyond words over the sudden loss of Charlie Daniels … a bit hard to process right now …
— Joe Bonsall (@joebonsall) July 6, 2020
Thank @CharlieDaniels you for teaching us all the difference between a violin and a fiddle. I hope you enjoy your new one made of gold. pic.twitter.com/5hKu2wgDSl
— Jamey Johnson (@jamey_johnson) July 6, 2020
There's going to be lots more fiddlin' in heaven from now on… so sad to hear about the passing of Charlie Daniels. Keeping his fans, friends and family in our thoughts and prayers. I'm so thankful I got to spend some time with him. pic.twitter.com/LduLu2d96U
— Aaron Watson (@aaron_watson) July 6, 2020
We played a show with Charlie Daniels a couple years ago and it was one of the best live performances I had ever seen. RIP to a legend.
— Koe Wetzel (@KoeWetzel) July 6, 2020
Lost one of the best this morning. RIP Charlie Daniels. pic.twitter.com/dV8kIjDLOP
— Tyler Farr (@tylerfarr) July 6, 2020
This #Legend @CharlieDaniels was at the core of my roots & influences in music. We recorded "Just As I Am" together for his Grammy winnin Gospel Album. "Oh lamb of God I come…I come" sings the hymn. An honor to call him my friend. Fiddle’s gonna be roarin in heaven tonight #RIP pic.twitter.com/LOhZiTMcUy
— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) July 6, 2020
He was a maverick. RIP #CharlieDaniels pic.twitter.com/BTrBnaAH4c
— Wynonna (@Wynonna) July 6, 2020
We are very sad today at the news of @CharlieDaniels passing. Charlie was a great entertainer, great friend, and a great American. pic.twitter.com/cdLeo2x5OR
— Bellamy Brothers (@BellamyBrothers) July 6, 2020
…There's a big ol' hole in lots of our hearts today with the news of his passing. pic.twitter.com/LUCO5xmqie
— Bill Anderson (@WhisperinBill) July 6, 2020
My brother Charlie was one of my biggest heroes and genuially one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Rip. pic.twitter.com/Wfo40X4DJn
— Phil Vassar (@philvassar) July 6, 2020
.@CharlieDaniels’ work on Earth is done. While we will miss him and his talents here, we know he has gone home now.
Rest In Peace, old friend. You are so loved. Sending love to Hazel and the entire family.
Photo by Vernell Hackett pic.twitter.com/zY2L3eFmcs
— Steve Wariner (@stevewariner) July 6, 2020
.@CharlieDaniels was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. We laughed, cried and prayed together. Charlie, thank you for everything you've done for me, your endless support of us, you will live on forever as my hero… my friend. I love you. pic.twitter.com/ENYZP54JmL
— Randy Travis (@randytravis) July 6, 2020