In a voice both steady and tender, Rhonda Vincent, the “Queen of Bluegrass,” opened up in a recent memorial tribute about her long-standing friendship with the late Daryle Singletary, revealing the deep emotional connection they shared — one that went far beyond music.
“He was more than a friend,” Rhonda said. “He was family. I trusted him with my heart, my music, and some of the hardest moments in my life. Losing him still doesn’t feel real.”
Their collaboration on the beloved duet “Above and Beyond” was more than just a performance — it was a testament to the effortless harmony they found together, both vocally and personally. The song became an instant fan favorite, but for Rhonda, it was always something more intimate: “When we sang together, there was a kind of peace. We didn’t have to say much. The music did all the talking.”
Rhonda spoke of the laughter they shared backstage, the long bus rides filled with stories, and the unspoken understanding that comes when two artists know they’re walking the same road — one paved with both glory and sacrifice.
“I remember one night, Daryle looked at me after a show and said, ‘We may never have the biggest spotlight, but we’ll always have the truest fans.’ That stuck with me. He cared about people. He cared about doing it right.”
Since his unexpected passing in 2018, Rhonda admits that stepping on stage without him beside her has never felt the same. But she carries him with her — in every verse, every harmony, and especially in the quiet moments when she sings “Above and Beyond.”
“That song isn’t just a tribute,” she said softly. “It’s a promise — to keep going, to sing with heart, and to honor the kind of man Daryle was. Genuine. Loyal. Humble. He gave more than he ever asked for.”
Fans around the country continue to share memories of Daryle, replaying performances and posting stories of his kindness and authenticity. And through Rhonda Vincent’s emotional tribute, his legacy is not only remembered — it’s loved.
“Daryle may be gone,” Rhonda said. “But every time I sing, I feel him close. That’s what family is. That’s what love leaves behind.”