The musician has passed away from heart complications.
The news was confirmed by Withers’ family who said in a statement, “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. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”
Withers was an influential songwriter and was best known for his tracks Lean on Me, Ain’t No Sunshine and Lovely Day. The Grammy Award-winning artist had a decades-spanning career, and withdrew from music in the 80s.
