In a somber and emotional update, the family of Don Reid, the legendary lead singer and songwriter of The Statler Brothers, has finally confirmed what many fans feared — at 79 years old, Don had been privately battling a serious and progressive illness, a struggle he faced with quiet strength and unwavering grace.
While Don had stepped away from the stage years ago, focusing on writing and spending time with his family, rumors had swirled about his declining health. Now, the family has officially revealed that Don had been living with a long-term neurological condition, which gradually impacted his mobility, speech, and energy in recent years.
“Don chose to face this illness with dignity and privacy,” the family said in their heartfelt statement. “He didn’t want to worry his fans or have his legacy defined by his health — he wanted to be remembered for his music, his words, and the love he gave to everyone around him.”
The announcement has sent a wave of heartbreak through the country music community, especially among the generations of fans who grew up with The Statler Brothers’ timeless harmonies and Don’s deeply emotional songwriting.
From hits like “Do You Know You Are My Sunshine” to “The Class of ’57”, Don Reid’s voice and lyrics helped define the golden era of country and gospel-infused Americana. Now, fans are coming to terms with the fact that the man who gave so much of himself through his music had also been silently enduring pain behind the scenes.
“He was the heart of the Statlers,” one fan posted. “And he’ll always be the voice of so many of our memories.”
Though no further details were shared about his current condition, the family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and asked for continued prayers and privacy as they navigate the emotional weight of this journey.
“Don never wanted pity,” the statement concluded. “He wanted people to keep singing, to keep believing, and to hold on to the good.”
Today, fans aren’t just mourning a diagnosis — they’re celebrating a man whose words touched souls, whose faith ran deep, and whose quiet courage is now more evident than ever.