Legendary singer Bill Withers has passed away at the age of 81, his family have confirmed.
His cause of death is said to be from heart complications.
The three-time Grammy Award winner died on Monday in Los Angeles, his family said in a statement to AP.
His family statement reads: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father.
“A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other.
“As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world.
Bill Withers has passed away at the age of 81 (Image: Getty Images)
“In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”
Bill is survived by his wife Marcia Johnson, who he married in 1976 and their two children Todd and Kori.
Marcia went on to become his manager, and he went on to co-write and sing in Just the Two of Us by Grover Washington Jr.
]
Bill died from heart complications as his family released a statement (Image: WireImage)
He was best known for hits Ain’t No Sunshine, Lean On Me, and Lovely Day and won three Grammy awards.
The performed withdrew from making music in the 80s, but made an impact with a number of hits during his short career in the spotlight.
The tune Aint’ No Sunshine, are among Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
He is survived by his wife Marcia and his two children Todd and Kori (Image: Michael Ochs Archives)
Lean On Me was also performed at the presidential inaugurations of Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
Bill was also entered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 after going into early retirement in 2009.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
