NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) - Country music and southern rock legend Charlie Daniels has passed away after suffering a stroke, his representatives announced Monday.
The Grand Ole Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer was 83.
Absolute Publicity, Inc. said Daniels passed away Monday morning at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage after doctors say he suffered a stroke.
His body was escorted by Mt. Juliet Police officers to Sellars Funeral Home along Mt. Juliet Rd. Monday afternoon. Fans lined the streets and paid their respects.
The Mt. Juliet Police Department also shared a photo of flowers, balloons, notes, and crosses placed at the entrance of Charlie Daniels Parkway on Monday evening.
Daniels has raised helped raise millions for veterans through his own efforts and partnerships over the years. He also established a Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University.
"Charlie’s love of life and country was radiant and inspiring. And we at MTSU shall work every day to sustain and extend his legacy through the good works of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center," MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said. "Charlie will live on, not only through his music but also through the lives lifted through his generosity."
"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.," his representatives said. "The Charlie Daniels Band has long populated radio with memorable hits and his signature song, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."
"Daniels helped to shine the spotlight on the many causes that are close to his heart. He was a staunch supporter of the military and gave his time and talent to numerous charitable organizations, including The Journey Home Project, that he founded in 2014 with his manager, David Corlew, to help veterans of the United States Armed Forces."
Daniels raised money each year with his "Volunteer Jam" in Nashville. He was set to perform Feb. 22, 2021 after his initial concert date in September got pushed back. The Charlie Daniels Band performed the first Volunteer Jam on October 4, 1974, at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, marking the beginning of a tradition.
“There are few artists that touched so many different generations in our business than Charlie Daniels did," Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO said, "Today, our community has lost an innovator and advocate of Country Music. Both Charlie and Hazel had become dear friends of mine over the last several years, and I was privileged to be able to celebrate Charlie’s induction into the Opry as well as tell him that he was going to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. I will always remember the look of sudden shock and delight on his face as he realized he would be in the Hall of Fame Rotunda for the ages. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time.”
Daniels was also a Nashville Predators supporter.
The country music world is mourning the loss of a legend.
"He loved his God, he loved his family and he loved his country. And we all loved him!!! He lived it and breathed it every day. What a great American!" - Brenda Lee
"Daniels showed the rest of us what it means to be a great human being. He found redemption, then lived a life devoted to serving God, his family, and fellow countrymen. He was much more than his music. He was kind and strong and had a powerful soul that will be sorely missed here on earth, but no doubt has received eternal glory in Heaven. We will always love and miss him forever. God bless you, Mr. Charlie." -John Rich
"Charlie Daniels was a giant among men! An unbelievably talented musician, an American icon in every sense of the word. I will forever remember the Opry performance when the SteelDrivers shared the stage with him and played a few songs together. He leaves an enduring legacy and will be greatly missed. The angels just gained one heck of a fiddler today!" -Tammy King, The Steeldrivers
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump tweeted his praise of late country music and southern rock legend Charlie Daniels on Tuesday.
"We will miss GREAT Country Rocker, Charlie Daniels, who passed away yesterday in Hermitage, Tennessee. My condolences to his wife Hazel, and their family. Charlie is in my thoughts and prayers. I love his music!"
FOX 17 News will update this story.