The Country Music Association is defending itself following the death of Charley Pride. Pride, 86, was honored at the 54th annual CMA Awards last month and attended the show to accept his Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
However, the country music icon was diagnosed with COVID-19 in late November and “was unable to overcome the virus,” according to a Facebook post shared by his team on Saturday, which has led some fans to speculate about his sudden passing.
A statement from representatives of Pride and the CMA was quickly issued upon the announcement of the singer's death. Charley Pride passed away from complications with COVID-19 on Dec.