In April 2020, the world of country and gospel music lost a legend when Harold Reid, the deep, unmistakable bass voice of The Statler Brothers, passed away at the age of 80. For fans, his death marked the end of an era—of harmony, laughter, and a stage presence that was both powerful and humble. But what no one knew until now is that Harold left behind something deeply personal: a handwritten farewell letter, kept hidden until after his passing.
And now, that letter has finally been shared—with the blessing of his family—and its contents have left fans in tears.
The letter, simply titled “If You’re Reading This, I’ve Just Gone Home,” was tucked inside a well-worn leather-bound Bible on Harold’s nightstand. Discovered by his children just days after his passing, the note wasn’t meant for headlines—it was meant for hearts.
In neat cursive, Harold began:
“Don’t cry too long. I’ve had more joy than most men could ever dream of. I sang with my best friends. I laughed every night. I loved one woman for most of my life. I saw the world… but I always came home to Staunton.”
What followed was not just a goodbye, but a final glimpse into the soul of a man who gave everything to his music and his family, and asked for little in return. He wrote not about regrets, but about gratitude.
“The Lord’s been good to me. He gave me a voice, and I used it the best I could. But more than that, He gave me people—fans, family, brothers. If you ever bought a ticket, sang along, or shook my hand after a show, know this: I never took it for granted.”
Harold also included a message to his beloved Statler Brothers bandmates—Don, Phil, and Lew—calling them “my brothers in harmony and in heart.”
“We shared something sacred on that stage. Something more than music. Thank you for letting me be part of it. Tell a joke or two when you think of me.”
But the most emotional part of the letter came in the closing lines, addressed quietly to his wife, Brenda, and their children:
“I’m not far. Just a few steps ahead, saving you a seat by the fire. Remember to laugh. Remember the Lord. And remember… I loved you more than every standing ovation.”
When the letter was read aloud at a private family memorial, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Now that it’s been shared with the public, fans around the world are writing in with letters of their own—some saying goodbye, others simply saying thank you.
Harold Reid’s last words weren’t sung from a stage—they were written with the same grace and truth that defined his life.
And now, with The Last Letter, he takes one final bow—not with applause, but with the quiet love of millions who will never forget him.
