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Regina Bell shared a touching tribute to Peabo Bryson, calling him her "official duet partner" and close friend.
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After his stroke, Belle visited Bryson in the hospital and performed their iconic duet "A Whole New World" for him.
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Bryson, known for his Grammy Award-winning duets with Disney songs, died on Tuesday, June 2.
Peabo Bryson will forever have a friend in Regina Bell.
The day after Bryson's death on Tuesday, June 2, Belle, who collaborated with him on the Disney classic "A Whole New World," released a touching statement that spoke of their work together, their friendship, and his legacy.
«"Peabo Bryson was like a brother to me. We shared a special musical and spiritual bond, born of our love of music, family, and community," said 62-year-old Belle of Bryson, whom she met at Rutgers University in New Jersey more than 30 years ago, before they signed a recording contract.
Regina Belle and Peabo Bryson. Photo: Leon Bennett/FilmMagic; Robin L. Marshall/FilmMagic.
In her statement, Bell said she visited Bryson in the hospital a few days after the stroke, on Sunday, May 31, and spent some time with him and his family.
«"During our quiet conversations with Peabo, I held his hand and whispered 'A Whole New World' and 'Total Praise'—our version of the song Peabo and I recorded," she said. "The hardest part of that moment was realizing I'd never be able to sing again with the man who helped me create such magic.".
Reflecting on their friendship, Belle said Bryson was "so much more than just a legendary artist" to her—and someone who left "an indelible mark on my life and career.".
«"From the moment I first heard his music as a young girl, I was captivated by the beauty, warmth, and power of his voice," she said. "Years later, I have had the incredible privilege of not only sharing the same stage and recording studio with him, but also of forming a friendship based on mutual respect, trust, and genuine affection.".
She added: "I considered Peabo my official duet partner. His virtuosity as a world-class vocalist was unmatched. As musicians, we shared similar musical tastes. I was fortunate to collaborate with him on four projects.".
Belle concluded her statement by noting that while she is "heartbroken" by the death, she finds "comfort in the fact that the music we created together will live on.".
«"Even when I'm gone, a part of me will live on in the music we created together, just as a part of Peabo will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched with his extraordinary talent," she said.
Peabo Bryson in Sterling Heights, Michigan, June 2022. Photo: Scott Legato/Getty.
Bryson died just days after suffering a stroke at the age of 75.
The Grammy Award-winning singer was known for a string of R&B hits, including 1992's "A Whole New World," which became the first song from an animated film to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and her duet with Celine Dion, "Beauty and the Beast.".
Hours after his death, 58-year-old Dion shared a touching tribute to Bryson on her Instagram Stories, reminiscing about their beloved 1991 duet, which won them a Grammy Award and became one of Disney's most famous songs.
In a statement provided to PEOPLE, Bryson's family said they were "deeply touched by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends and colleagues around the world.".
«"While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many people his voice and generous spirit touched," the statement read. "His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.".
Read the original article on People.