In a revelation that has stunned and deeply moved longtime fans of The Statler Brothers, Don Reid — the group’s lead singer and principal songwriter — has come forward with a story he’s held close to his heart for decades. For the first time, Don has revealed the existence of a private letter that Jimmy Fortune wrote to original tenor Lew DeWitt — a letter he never sent, but one that now shines a light on the depth of their bond, and the quiet heartache behind the music.
“I’ve kept this letter for a long time,” Don said during a recent interview. “Jimmy gave it to me years ago — back when he wasn’t sure if it was the right time to share it with Lew. But now… now I think the world deserves to know what was in his heart.”
The letter, written shortly after Jimmy joined The Statler Brothers in 1982 — taking the place of Lew, who stepped away due to ongoing health issues — was never meant for public eyes. But every word of it reveals a young man stepping into impossible shoes… with humility, admiration, and respect.
Here is a portion of what Jimmy wrote:
“Dear Lew,
I don’t know if I’ll ever have the courage to send this, but I want you to know — I’ve admired you for as long as I can remember. Taking your place in the group isn’t something I celebrate. It’s something I carry with great responsibility. Your voice, your songs, your spirit… they’re still here. And I feel them every night when I sing.”*
“I don’t want to replace you. I can’t. I just hope I can honor you. And if I can do that, maybe I’ve done something right.”
Don admitted that Jimmy gave him the letter in confidence, unsure of whether Lew — who was battling Crohn’s disease and later passed away in 1990 — ever truly knew how much admiration Jimmy held for him.
“Jimmy didn’t want to make it about himself,” Don explained. “He just wanted to say thank you. Even if Lew never read the words.”
The bond between the members of The Statler Brothers was always evident in their harmonies — but this letter shows it was equally present in their hearts. There was no rivalry, no resentment. Just deep respect, passed from one voice to another.
“Lew paved the road,” Jimmy later said. “I just tried to walk it without messing it up.”
Now, with Don’s blessing, fans have finally been given a glimpse into one of the most intimate and human moments in Statler Brothers history — a quiet truth between two singers who shared more than just songs… they shared legacy.
The letter, once tucked away, is now a reminder that even behind the biggest stages and the most iconic harmonies, what endures most is kindness, humility, and honor.
