NEW YORK — Glenn Frey, a founding member of the Eagles, died at age 67 on Monday in New York City, the band’s website has announced.
“Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia,” the Eagles’ website stated.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that usually affects joints in the hands and feet, and ulcerative colitis affects a person’s digestive tract and can be life threatening, according to mayoclinic.org.
Glenn Frey attends the 29th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on April 10, 2014, in New York City. (Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Frey was the lead singer and played guitar, among other instruments, for the Eagles, known for hits such as “Take It Easy,” “Already Gone” and “Hotel California.”
“Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community and millions of fans worldwide,” the website stated.
Frey suffered health problems, causing the band to defer accepting their planned Dec. 6 Kennedy Center Honor until 2016, the Washington Post reported in November.
He had a recurrence of “previous intestinal issues, which will require major surgery and a lengthy recovery period,” a statement from the Eagle read, according to the Post.
Monday’s announcement included lyrics to the following song:
“It’s Your World Now”
Written by Glenn Frey and Jack Tempchin
From the Eagles’ Long Road Out of Eden album
A perfect day, the sun is sinkin’ low
As evening falls, the gentle breezes blow
The time we shared went by so fast
Just like a dream, we knew it couldn’t last
But I’d do it all again
If I could, somehow
But I must be leavin’ soon
It’s your world now
It’s your world now
My race is run
I’m moving on
Like the setting sun
No sad goodbyes
No tears allowed
You’ll be alright
It’s your world now
Even when we are apart
You’ll always be in my heart
When dark clouds appear in the sky
Remember true love never dies
But first a kiss, one glass of wine
Just one more dance while there’s still time
My one last wish: someday, you’ll see
How hard I tried and how much you meant to me
It’s your world now
Use well your time
Be part of something good
Leave something good behind
The curtain falls
I take my bow
That’s how it’s meant to be
It’s your world now
It’s your world now
It’s your world now
