In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the hearts of country music fans, a long-held secret has finally been brought to light, revealing the profound emotional depth behind one of music’s most beloved groups. Don Reid, the iconic lead singer of The Statler Brothers, has just unveiled a private, unsent letter from Jimmy Fortune to the group’s original tenor, Lew DeWitt. For decades, this letter remained a silent testament to a bond forged in music and respect, and its contents are now causing a stir among those who have followed the band’s legendary journey. The story behind this letter is one of humility, quiet admiration, and the unspoken heartache that accompanied a pivotal moment in the band’s history.
“I’ve kept this letter for a long time,” Don Reid confessed in a recent, emotional interview, his voice carrying the weight of the secret he had guarded for so many years. “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 was written in 1982, shortly after Jimmy Fortune stepped into the impossibly large shoes of Lew DeWitt, who had to leave the group due to his debilitating battle with Crohn’s disease. It was a transition that fans watched with bated breath, but no one knew the private turmoil and respect that Jimmy held for the man he was replacing.
The letter itself is a raw, humbling glimpse into a young artist’s soul. A portion of it reads: “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 words are not from a rival, but from a devoted admirer, painfully aware of the legacy he was now tasked to uphold. He 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 tearfully admitted that Jimmy was hesitant to burden Lew, who tragically passed away in 1990, with his own emotions. “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.” This selfless act speaks volumes about the character of the men who formed the soul of The Statler Brothers. Their unity was not just in their perfect harmonies, but in the silent, profound respect they held for one another. As Jimmy himself later said, “Lew paved the road. I just tried to walk it without messing it up.” Now, thanks to Don Reid’s decision to share this intimate piece of history, fans have a new understanding of the brotherhood that defined the group. The letter is a powerful reminder that behind the towering success and timeless music, there was a story of immense kindness, honor, and a shared legacy.
