Legendary Artist Bill Withers Passes Away, Age 81

Bill Withers has passed away, age 81. 

The news has been confirmed by the US artist's family today, saying they are "immensely proud of him". 

ABC have reported that Withers died from heart complications on Monday in Los Angeles.  

Withers was best-known for his 1971 hit Ain't No Sunshine, as well as songs like Lean On Me, Lovely Day, Just The Two Of Us, Grandma's Hands and more. 

He was a three-time Grammy Award winner and a Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee. 

See the Withers' family statement below. 

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. 

We know his legacy will live in our hearts and in yours for generations to come.

We will miss his sharp wit, playful sense of humor, and no-nonsense way of turning a phrase as no one else could. He was a deeply proud man, full of integrity and principle, and we as his family are immensely proud of him for sharing his musical and lyrical gifts so elegantly and generously with the world. A master of writing love songs, he loved music, cherished and protected his family, and our love for him is immeasurable. 

With Love,

The Withers Family