Charley Pride‘s fans knew him as a country music legend with a string of hit songs and a career that has spanned well over the past 50 years. What fans may not know is that through everything (even before it all!), his wife Rozene was always by his side.
Before his singing career took off, Charley had big dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. His dreams became a reality in 1952 when he began pitching for the Memphis Red Sox, which opened a door for him to play for many teams over the next couple of years.
While playing in Memphis, fate stepped in, and Charley met the love of his life, Rozene. Rozene was a cosmetologist from Mississippi, and the connection was instant! The happy couple married in 1956.
(Photo Credit: Evening Standard/Getty Images via radio.com)
For the next few years, Charley continued to pursue baseball with his new bride by his side. While playing for East Helena, the team’s manager noticed Charley’s singing ability, and paid him to sing for fifteen minutes before each game.
Following the positive responses to his singing talent, Charley Pride began pursing music. Over the years, he has released some of the greatest country songs of all time, including the hit song, “Kiss An Angel Good Morning.” We’re hoping this song is about his sweet, Rozene. And the rest was history!
Charley and his wife later settled down, and made their home in Dallas, TX. Together, they raised three children, Kraig, Dion and Angela, all of who have followed in their father’s footsteps.
Kraig (who goes by Carlton), founded the band Carlton Pride and Zion in 1995, and Dion has been known to cover his father’s songs… and he sounds just like him! Below, Dion sings his father’s signature song alongside Lorrie Morgan.
Charley and Rozene’s love story is beautiful, filled with a happy family and an impressive career.
Below, Charley sings “Miracles, Music, and My Wife,” a song that refers to all three things as “the riches that God gave this man.” It’s clear Charley loved his wife with every ounce of his being and truly appreciated her support throughout all the years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rozene and his children in the wake of his recent passing on December 12th, 2020.
