That didn’t take long.
A pioneer and country music legend, the great Charley Pride, passed away due to complications from COVID-19 today, and people have already begun to speculate on whether or not he contracted the virus at the CMA Awards last month.
The 86 year old was honored with a lifetime achievement award during the ceremony, which was held indoors, and he also performed alongside Jimmie Allen.
Most notably, Maren Morris voiced her speculation that the CMA Awards were the culprit, adding a very relatable “f*ck this f*cking year” to the conversation as well.
“I don’t want to jump to conclusions because no family statement has been made, but if this was a result of the CMAs being indoors, we should all be outraged. Rest in power, Charley.”
Her comments garnered a mixed reaction on Twitter, with some outraged that she would even suggest something with no evidence, not to mention the fact that she attended the indoor awards ceremony as well.
Maren later emphasized the “WE” in response to her critics.
You were too concerned while you collected your awards 🤷🏼♀️
— ColleenM (@colleen_mich12) December 12, 2020
If that’s the case he attended of his own free will, just like you.
— Cindy (@cindy_heybail) December 12, 2020
…and yet you jump to conclusions anyway
— Will Young (@wyoung0125) December 12, 2020
Maybe if you feel so strongly about this and Covid, you would have not attended or would have worn a mask and not have your face shield down. pic.twitter.com/rg6dPlgJeQ
— Megan Eve (@meve_10) December 12, 2020
Congratulations you already jumped to it ?!? You were there as well!
— Dakota (@dakotakid31) December 12, 2020
if you disagreed with it, why did you attend?
— kelsey huff (@kelseydalehuff) December 12, 2020
On the other hand, many others had similar thoughts.
I know it’s awful but this was my first thought too.
— Iesha Mae Thomas (@IeshaMaeThomas) December 12, 2020
I am thinking the same thing. Hopefully a statement will be made.
— Melissa Stevens (@mrstevens42) December 12, 2020
First thought omg the CMA awards
— Bobby P (@RobertP20688195) December 12, 2020
That was my first thought too.
— Eric A. Patton (@eapatton_tn) December 12, 2020
There’s probably no way of knowing the exact moment he contracted the virus, and it’s probably too early to start speculating and assigning blame as well. We haven’t heard anything definitive from the family yet, so there might be an explanation, and there might not. All we know is that he was admitted to the hospital in late November.
The fact remains, we lost a country music legend today, an absolute trailblazer in the genre. One whose legacy will continue to live on through the music that he made, and hopefully, through the roads that he has paved.
