Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of the rock band The Rolling Stones, has died at the age of 80.
As reported by BBC News, Watts' publicist confirmed in a statement:
"It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts.
"He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.
"Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation.
"We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time."
His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Watts was to miss the band’s forthcoming US tour.
A spokesman said at the time that he was "unlikely to be available for the resumption of the Rolling Stones USA No Filter Tour" as he recovered from a medical procedure, with Steve Jordan taking his slot.
The music icon shared: "For once my timing has been a little off. I am working hard to get fully fit but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while."
Bandmates Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood all shared messages of support following the announcement.
Charlie has been a member of the Rolling Stones since 1963. He remains the only member other than Jagger and Richards to have features on all of their studio albums.
After originally training as a graphic artist, Watts was introduced to Brian Jones, Jagger, and Richards while playing drums recreationally in London's rhythm and blues clubs before being asked to join the group.
The band aimed to have him back fighting fit for the band’s big 60th anniversary celebrations in 2022, when they will release their first album of original songs in 17 years.
Following the news, Sir Mick welcomed Jordan, who will join the band when the tour starts in St Louis on September 26, with dates also scheduled for Pittsburgh, Nashville, Minneapolis, Dallas, and more.