Country singer Charlie Daniels, known for the hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” died at age 83 after he suffered a stroke.
His publicist said Daniels died at a hospital in Hermitage, Tennessee, on Monday, according to local media outlets. The company said he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke.
“An outspoken patriot, beloved mentor, and a true road warrior, Daniels parlayed his passion for music into a multi-platinum career and a platform to support the military, underprivileged children, and others in need,” Absolute Publicity, Inc. said to Fox17 in Nashville.
He is survived by his wife, Hazel, and son, Charlie Daniels Jr.
His official Twitter account on Sunday included what may be a final quote from the singer: “Lord, give us the courage to speak our mind, to be honest, and bold about our feelings, no matter who, or how many we go against.”
According to the American Stroke Association, “Hemorrhagic strokes make up about 13 percent of stroke cases. It’s caused by a weakened vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain. The blood accumulates and compresses the surrounding brain tissue.”
It adds, “The two types of hemorrhagic strokes are intracerebral (within the brain) hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage.”
Daniels previously suffered what was described as a mild stroke in January 2010, and he had a pacemaker implanted in 2013. He continued to perform live.
Tributes on social media poured in after his death.
“My heart is crushed today after hearing that my dear friend Charlie Daniels has passed away. Charlie was the first legendary artist to take me under his wing and encourage me,” singer Travis Tritt said in a social media statement.
“Just learned legendary superstar Charlie Daniels, 83, has died. @CharlieDaniels was the greatest. A wonderful entertainer, Christian gentleman, servant to our veterans like no other, & humble, kind man despite being multi-talented, successful, and hard working. #heartbroken,” said political commentator and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in a statement.
Daniels was Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame in 2002, the Grand Ole Opry in 2008, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009, and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. He also played on three of Bob Dylan’s albums including “Nashville Skyline” as well as recordings for former Beatles member Ringo Starr and singer Leonard Cohen.
