After numerous rumors flooded the Internet this weekend, it has finally been confirmed that Ronnie James Dio has died.
According to a statement posted on his website by his wife and manager Wendy Dio, Ronnie James Dio died early Sunday morning, less than a year after being diagnosed with stomach cancer. He was 67.
"Today my heart is broken. Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m.," Wendy Dio's statement reads. "Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."
Dio is easily one of the most influential heavy metal performers of all time and his work with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio have made him immortal within the genre. RIP Dio.
Here’s a classic y’all:
Photo: Paul Natkin/Getty Images
