Don Henley And The Unpublished Letter From Glenn Frey That He Still Keeps

April 3, 2025

Don Henley sat in his quiet home studio, the familiar smell of polished wood and aged guitar strings wrapping around him like a warm embrace. It was a sanctuary where time seemed to pause, allowing the echoes of his past to whisper through the air. Among the many mementos of his storied career, one item stood out—an unpublished letter from his dear friend and bandmate, Glenn Frey. Though years had passed since Glenn’s untimely death in 2016, the words penned in that letter still resonated with Don, each stroke of the pen a reminder of their deep friendship and shared dreams.

The letter was written just a few months before Glenn passed away, during a time when they had been reconnecting after years of pursuing different projects. In it, Glenn recalled their early days together, the excitement of forming the Eagles, and the late nights spent writing songs that would go on to define a generation. Glenn had expressed his gratitude for their time together, reflecting on how music had brought them to life and allowed them to touch the hearts of millions. But there was a poignant undertone in his words, an acknowledgment of how fragile life could be, and a wish for them to create more together.

Don could still hear Glenn’s laughter and feel the energy they shared, especially during the chaotic years that followed the band’s breakup in the 1980s. It was a tumultuous time filled with challenges, yet it was also a period of growth. Don poured his heart into his solo career, producing hit songs like “The Boys of Summer” and “Dirty Laundry,” but no success could ever replace the profound bond he had with Glenn. The letter reminded him that, even in their separations, their friendship had been a guiding light, one that had shaped his resilience as an artist.

As Don read the letter again, tears brimmed in his eyes. It was a call to action, a reminder that life was too short to be anything but authentic. Inspired by Glenn’s words, he felt a surge of determination. Don knew he had to honor their legacy, not just through old songs, but by writing new music that spoke to the present. He picked up his guitar, strumming the familiar chords that had once harmonized with Glenn’s voice. In that moment, he was no longer alone; Glenn was there with him, filling the room with the sound of their shared dreams.

Over the next few months, Don poured his heart into writing and recording, channeling the spirit of their friendship into every note. He found himself smiling more, recalling the good times and embracing the joy that music had always brought him. The songs began to flow, each one a tribute to their journey and a celebration of friendship. Don understood that while Glenn was physically gone, their connection lived on in the music they created together.

When the new album was finally ready, Don felt a mix of pride and vulnerability as he dedicated it to Glenn. At the release party, he shared stories about their time together, and with every chord he played, he felt the audience reflecting the strength of their bond. In that moment, Don Henley realized that even in loss, there was a way to find hope and inspiration. He knew that Glenn’s letter had not just been a goodbye; it was also a challenge to keep creating, sharing, and living life to the fullest through the power of music. The spirit of the Eagles soared on, fueled by friendship, resilience, and the unbreakable ties that music can create.