Charley Pride’s Hidden Son: The Man the Legend Never Mentioned
Charley Pride, the trailblazing African American country music star, passed away in December 2020. But his death opened the door to a controversy that stunned fans and shook the foundations of his family: the emergence of a son he had never publicly acknowledged – Tyler Pride.
🧬 A Secret Bloodline
Tyler Pride, a former athlete and police officer, came forward shortly after Charley’s death, filing a legal claim against the singer’s will. He claimed to be the biological son of Charley Pride, born in the early 1980s from a brief relationship between Charley and a woman named Cherrie Bonner.
The two reportedly met a few times over the years, and Tyler underwent a DNA test confirming paternity. However, Charley’s official will excluded Tyler entirely – sparking legal action and a public reckoning.
⚖️ Legal Tensions Behind Closed Doors
Charley’s official family – wife Rozene and their three children – contested Tyler’s claim. The dispute escalated to court proceedings, but in 2022, both parties quietly reached an out-of-court settlement. While the details remain confidential, reports suggest that Tyler was granted some recognition of his place in the Pride legacy.
🤐 Why the Silence?
Why did Charley Pride, a man who championed love and family, keep his own son a secret? Some speculate it was to preserve his family’s peace or to avoid public scandal in a time when the entertainment industry was less forgiving.
Tyler’s actions, while controversial, resonated with many who believe that the truth – no matter how inconvenient – deserves to be known.
💔 A Legacy with Cracks
Though Charley Pride’s music continues to inspire, his personal life leaves behind lingering questions. For millions, he remains an icon. But for Tyler Pride, he’s both a musical legend and a father who chose silence over acknowledgment.