19 January 2023 , 22:20
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David Crosby has died aged 81 following a battle with "long illness", his heartbroken wife has announced tonight.
A founding member of the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, later Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, he passed away "lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate".
In a touching tribute shared with Variety, his wife Jan said: "It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away.
"He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us."
David was the founder of Byrds and Crosby, Stills (Richard E. Aaron / Redferns)Jan continued: "His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly.
Beach Boys' Brian Wilson 'heartbroken' over death of 'wonderful' David Crosby
"At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss."
He was a singer and guitarist for The Byrds between 1964 and 1967 alongside Gene Clark, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke.
He later formed Crosby, Stills & Nash with Graham Nash and Stephen Stills
Crosby was a singer and guitarist for The Byrds from 1964 to 1967 (FilmMagic)His last solo recording, Croz, was issued in 2014 after a glistening career launched back in the 60s - spanning all through the 70s to the 90s when he returned to acting.
He appeared on The John Larroquette Show and Roseanne, as well as in the films Hook and Thunderheart - he also voiced two cartoon cameos on The Simpsons.
Crosby is survived by his wife Jan Dance, their son Django, son James Raymond, and two daughters, Erika and Donovan, from previous relationships.
His most recent album, For Free, was released in 2021.
His last solo recording, Croz, was issued in 2014 (Getty Images)David was part of the original line-up of The Byrds, appearing on their first five albums, including the 1965 hit cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘Mr Tambourine Man’.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice and five albums he was on landed in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Jan concluded her touching tribute: "Thank you for the love and prayers."
Graham Nash and Stephen Stills pen tributes to former band's 'glue' David Crosby
Further tributes to the star continued to be penned following the sad news, with former bandmate Graham Nash among those sharing heartfelt words.
He wrote on Facebook: "It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed. I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years."
He went onto describe David as "fearless in life and in music" and said he "leaves behind a tremendous void as far as sheer personality and talent in this world"
Brian Wilson and David Crosby (WireImage)His other former bandmate Stephen Stills released a statement to Deadline, saying that although the pair had butted heads a lot over the years, he was "happy to be at peace with him".
He said: "He was without question a giant of a musician, and his harmonic sensibilities were nothing short of genius. The glue that held us together as our vocals soared, like Icarus, towards the sun.
"I am deeply saddened at his passing and shall miss him beyond measure."
Elsewhere on social media, The Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson took to Twitter to write: "I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby. David was an unbelievable talent - such a great singer and songwriter.
"And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words. Love & Mercy to David’s family and friends. Love, Brian"