How Charley Pride Went Way Out of His Way to Help Brad Paisley

(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

In an Instagram post after Charley Pride’s death, Brad Paisley recalled how the legend helped him very early on in his career.

Paisley was just 15 years old when Pride gave his home phone number to Brad’s dad and told him, “I’d love to help your son.” From that point on Pride and Paisley performed several times together. Upon hearing the news of Charley’s death, Brad wrote, “I’m devastated. You changed country music for the better, Charley. And you changed this kid’s life. We love you.”

Pride passed away due to complications from COVID-19 after being hospitalized in late November. Charley’s family and close friends plan to have a private memorial this week and a public celebration at some point in the future.