Yesterday, we reported that the country music legend Charley Pride had passed away due to complications from COVID-19 weeks after performing at the in-person Country Music Awards. Now, the Country Music Association is responding to backlash over his death.

After news of Pride’s passing broke, the country singer and producer Maren Morris wrote in a tweet that has since been deleted, “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.”

The CMA and representatives for Pride have since responded to address the backlash head-on.

“Everyone affiliated with the CMA Awards followed strict testing protocols outlined by the city health department and unions. Charley was tested prior to traveling to Nashville. He was tested upon landing in Nashville, and again on show day, with all tests coming back negative. After returning to Texas following the CMA Awards, Charley again tested negative multiple times,” their statement read. “All of us in the Country Music community are heartbroken by Charley’s passing. Out of respect for his family during their grieving period, we will not be commenting on this further.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxM4GDimobE&feature=emb_title

After the CMA Awards were broadcast on November 11, there was backlash over stars like Miranda Lambert and Eric Church being seen not wearing masks and not social distancing.

“The problem at the CMAs was that absolutely no artists wore masks. I was stunned,” a music insider told Page Six. “Announcements were made at every commercial break to please mask up if you walked around, and they never did. Crazy.”

“Some of the artists in attendance were photographed wearing masks, but a shocking number of them weren’t,” Glamour Magazine reported of the show. “Many were seen holding these mask-like contraptions that don’t fasten to your face. You have to hold them the entire time, which seems cumbersome and ineffective.”

Pride was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the CMAs, and he performed his hit song “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”

Tributes have been pouring in for Pride since news of his death broke from various celebrities, including the iconic Dolly Parton.

“I’m so heartbroken that one of my dearest and oldest friends, Charley Pride, has passed away. It’s even worse to know that he passed away from COVID-19. What a horrible, horrible virus. Charley, we will always love you,” tweeted Parton, 74. “Rest In Peace. My love and thoughts go out to his family and all of his fans. – Dolly.”

Rest In Peace. My love and thoughts go out to his family and all of his fans. – Dolly (2/2)

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 12, 2020