News: Don Everly releases statement on Phil's death, says "I loved my brother very much"

 Like most siblings, Don and Phil Everly had their differences from time to time, but underneath it all the hit-making duo loved each other. As the music world reacted with sadness to the death of Phil, youngest member of the Everly Brothers on Friday Jan 03 at the age of 74, Don released a statement to a magazine that touched on their sometimes fiery relationship.

"I loved my brother very much," Don, 76, said from his home in Tennessee. "I always thought I'd be the one to go first."
Don revealed that he was playing some of Phil's music when he learned of his brother's death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. "I was listening to one of my favorite songs that Phil wrote and had an extreme emotional moment just before I got the news of his passing," he said. "I took that as a special spiritual message from Phil saying good-bye."

The pair, who found fame in the 1950s, split in 1973 amid quarreling, but reunited in 1983.

"Our love was and will always be deeper than any earthly differences we might have had," Don said. "The world might be mourning an Everly Brother but I'm mourning my brother Phil Everly. My wife Adela and I are touched by all the tributes we're seeing for Phil and we thank you for allowing us to grieve in private at this incredibly difficult time."

 
                            Phil Everly

                                     Phil & Don Everly

                                                             The late Phil Everly

Late Frank Sinatra's sister, Nancy Sinatra et al took to Twitter to express pay their tributes.

Phil Everly is gone. Touring with Phil and Don was one of the thrills of my life. I love you Phillip - Godspeed pic.twitter.com/MJNEDSSw3l
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) January 4, 2014

The Everly Brothers go way back far as I can remember hearing music. Those harmonies live on forever. We're gonna miss you Phil. Gratitude.
— Billie Joe Armstrong (@BJAofficial) January 4, 2014