In a bombshell revelation that has sent shockwaves through the country music community and brought tears to the eyes of devoted fans, a long-held secret of The Statler Brothers has finally been brought into the light. Don Reid, the iconic group’s lead singer and masterful songwriter, has broken his silence on a piece of history he has protected for decades: a deeply personal and emotional letter penned by Jimmy Fortune to the group’s original tenor, Lew DeWitt. The letter was never sent, but its contents, now revealed, paint a stunning portrait of humility, respect, and the silent heartache that accompanied one of the most significant transitions in the band’s history.
For years, this story remained a private memory, a quiet understanding between band members. “I’ve kept this letter for a long time,” Don confessed in a recent, emotional interview, his voice heavy with the weight of the past. “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 dates back to 1982, a pivotal year for the Statlers. It was then that Lew DeWitt, a founding member and a voice beloved by millions, had to step away from the stage due to his debilitating battle with Crohn’s disease. Stepping into those monumental shoes was a young, talented Jimmy Fortune. The transition was seamless on stage, but behind the curtain, as the letter reveals, Jimmy was grappling with the immense responsibility of his new role. This was not a letter of triumph, but one of profound reverence.
Here is just a heart-wrenching portion of what Jimmy poured onto the page:
“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.”
The raw emotion continued: “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 Reid explained the selfless motive behind the unsent letter, a testament to the character of the men behind the music. It was never delivered because Jimmy feared it might be misinterpreted. “Jimmy didn’t want to make it about himself,” Don recalled. “He just wanted to say thank you. Even if Lew never read the words.” The context is made all the more tragic by the fact that Lew passed away in 1990, perhaps never knowing the full depth of the admiration his successor held for him.
The legendary harmony of The Statler Brothers was not just a musical arrangement; it was a reflection of the deep, unspoken bond between its members. There was no bitter rivalry or jealousy, only a powerful current of mutual respect. In a later reflection, Jimmy perfectly captured this sentiment: “Lew paved the road,” he stated simply. “I just tried to walk it without messing it up.”
With Don’s blessing, this intimate piece of Statler history is no longer a secret. It serves as a powerful, poignant glimpse into a private moment of vulnerability and honor. The letter, once hidden away, now stands as an enduring reminder that behind the platinum records and sold-out arenas, the most powerful legacies are built on kindness, humility, and the quiet grace shared between brothers.
