When Glenn Frey, co-founder of The Eagles, passed away on January 18, 2016, at the age of 67, it sent shockwaves through the music world. But for Don Henley, it wasn’t just the loss of a bandmate—it was the shattering of a 45-year friendship, a creative partnership that had shaped not only their careers but an entire era of American music.
In interviews following Frey’s death, Don Henley—known for his carefully chosen words and guarded personality—let his grief surface in rare and heartbreaking honesty.
“It was like losing a brother, a limb, and a legacy all at once,” he said. “We built something extraordinary together. He was the spark, the architect, the guy who believed we could do it even when the odds said otherwise.”
Henley credited Frey as the driving force behind The Eagles’ early days, the one who pushed the band’s vision forward with both charisma and intensity. Together, they co-wrote some of the most iconic songs in rock history: “Desperado,” “One of These Nights,” “Hotel California.” But beyond the music, their connection ran deep—part friendship, part creative tension, part brotherhood.
“We fought like brothers. But we always knew—without him, there would be no Eagles.”
Frey had suffered from complications due to rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia. His death, though not entirely unexpected due to ongoing health issues, left Henley stunned and reeling.
“It hit me harder than I ever expected,” Henley confessed. “There was still so much I wanted to say to him.”
For a time, Henley wasn’t sure if The Eagles could, or even should, go on. He famously said, “I think that was the end. We’re done.” But with time—and the blessing of Frey’s family—he began to reconsider. The idea of honoring Glenn’s legacy, rather than burying it, began to take shape. That led to the eventual return of The Eagles, with Glenn’s son Deacon Frey and country legend Vince Gill stepping in to help carry the torch.
“It wasn’t about replacing Glenn,” Henley said. “You can’t. It was about honoring what he created. What we created.”
Even now, years after Glenn’s passing, Henley still speaks of him with reverence, sometimes emotion catching in his throat during live tributes. During concerts, when the band plays “Take It Easy”—Glenn’s signature hit—Henley steps back, lets the song play, and lets the legacy breathe.
“There’s a hole in the band, and in my heart, that will never be filled,” he said. “But every time we play his songs, we keep him alive. And that’s all I can do now.”
Glenn Frey may be gone, but in Don Henley’s voice, in the harmony of The Eagles, and in the hearts of millions of fans—the music, and the friendship behind it, still echoes on.