Introduction
In a moment that brought tears to longtime fans of The Statler Brothers, Don Reid, the group’s beloved lead vocalist and songwriter, has made a deeply emotional announcement — one that reflects not only the passage of time, but the enduring bond between artist and audience.
Speaking from his hometown of Staunton, Virginia, Don addressed fans directly in a video message posted to social media and shared by the Statler Brothers legacy page.
“I’ve carried this in my heart for a while,” he began, his voice calm but weighted with meaning. “And I believe it’s finally time to say it out loud: I’m officially stepping away from public appearances and events.”
The announcement was met with an immediate outpouring of emotion from fans across the world, many of whom have followed Don’s music and storytelling for more than 50 years
“This isn’t goodbye forever,” Don continued. “It’s just me turning the page. The stage, the spotlight… they were never the most important part. It was always the songs, the friendships, the people.”
Now 79, Don Reid has remained an active writer, speaker, and beloved figure in Southern gospel and country circles long after The Statler Brothers gave their final farewell performance in 2002. For years, he continued to write books, speak at events, and share memories from the golden era of harmony and faith-filled music.
But in this heartfelt message, Don made it clear: it’s time for quiet, for home, and for peace.
“I want to spend these next years with my family — my grandchildren, my faith, and in reflection,” he said, pausing at times to steady his voice. “I’ve given the best of myself to the music. Now, I want to give the best of myself to them.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments with messages of gratitude and love:
“Don, your words raised me. Your songs carried me.”
“You gave us more than music — you gave us memories.”
“We’ll miss you on stage, but we’ll never stop hearing your voice in the songs that changed our lives.”
While Don won’t be making public appearances, he emphasized that he will continue to be present — through his writings, his archives, and the timeless music that lives on.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice cracking near the end. “From the bottom of my heart. You’ve made an ordinary man feel like he was part of something extraordinary.”
And he was.
Don Reid’s announcement may mark the closing of a chapter — but his legacy will continue to echo in every harmony, every lyric, and every heart that grew up listening to The Statler Brothers.