Glenn Frey, the guitarist and founding member of the 1970s classic rock band Eagles, has died. The musician passed away today at 67 years old after a battle with multiple illnesses, according to a statement on the band's official Facebook page.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our comrade, Eagles founder, Glenn Frey, in New York City on Monday, January 18th, 2016," read the Facebook statement.
The musician "courageously" battled with rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia, according to the statement, which was also posted to the band's official website. He suffered for several weeks before his passing.
"The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery," the statement continued. "Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community & millions of fans worldwide."
In the announcement, lyrics to the Eagles song "It's Your World Now" were posted: "No sad goodbyes / No tears allowed / You'll be alright / It's your world now."
Frey and Eagles lead singer Don Henley founded the rock band in 1971, reported Entertainment Weekly. Together, the pair penned some of the Eagles' most iconic hit songs, like "Take it Easy" and "Hotel California."
"He was like a brother to me; we were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction," Henley told Entertainment Weekly shortly after Frey's death. "But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved."
See the Eagles' full Facebook post below.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our comrade, Eagles founder, Glenn Frey, in New York...
Posted by Eagles on Monday, January 18, 2016
