Darius Rucker remembered the late Charley Pride with a performance of his signature song “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” during the Opry Anniversary special on Sunday (Feb. 14).
“One of the main reasons I get to stand and sing on this stage is because of his courage,” Rucker said. “Here’s our tribute to the great Charley Pride.”
Pride passed away due to complications of COVID-19 on the morning of Saturday, December 12 at the age of 86. According to a statement released by his family, Pride was admitted to the hospital with COVID symptoms in late November, but “despite the incredible efforts, skill and care of his medical team over the past several weeks, he was unable to overcome the virus.”
Following Pride’s death, several country music artists paid tribute to him on social media with heartfelt tributes.
Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music also featured performances from Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Lady A, Little Big Town, Little Big Town, Old Crow Medicine Show, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Kane Brown, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Marty Stuart and Carrie Underwood.
The show also gave fans a look back at some of the most iconic performances in Opry history and showcased archived Opry interview and performance footage from today’s Opry members and legendary artists.
Additionally, the two-hour special also included star-studded collaborations from Darius Rucker featuring Old Crow Medicine Show, Carrie Underwood with Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Marty Stuart, Vince Gill featuring Reba McEntire and more.
Hosted by Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton, Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music aired on Sunday, February 14 at 9 p.m. EST on NBC.
