Charlie Watts, the famed Rolling Stones drummer, has died at the age of 80 years old.
The British musician's publicist, Bernard Doherty, confirmed the tragic news on Tuesday, August 24, saying in a statement: "It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts."
Noting that he "passed away peacefully," Doherty revealed Watts died "earlier today surrounded by his family" while in a London hospital. "Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation," the publicist gushed, before asking the public to allow those closest to him to mourn in private.
"We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time," Doherty concluded.
Weeks before the music legend passed away, he had a "successful procedure" in London after doctors found a problem during a routine check-up, The Sun reported. Doctors advised him not to take part in the band's "No Filter" tour — which starts next month — and ordered him to take weeks of "rest and recuperation."
More to come...
