NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Reggae star and actor Jimmy Cliff has died at the age of 81, according to a note posted on social media channels.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” the announcement from Cliff’s wife on his official Facebook page said.
“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love,” the post continued.
TODD SNIDER DEAD AT 59, WEEKS AFTER HOSPITAL ARREST, ALLEGED ‘VIOLENT ASSAULT’
Jimmy Cliff performs during the Mile High Music Festival at Dick’s Sporting Good’s Park on August 15, 2010 in Commerce City, Colorado (Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
“I also wanted to thank Dr. Couceyro and the whole medical staff, as they have been extremely supportive and helpful during this difficult process. Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes. I hope you all can respect our privacy during these hard times. Further information will be provided at a later date,” she noted.
Cliff was born in Jamaica as James Chambers, according to the Associated Press.
The musical artist, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, was the winner of two Grammys during his lifetime. He also starred in the 1972 film “The Harder They Come.”
GRATEFUL DEAD SINGER WHO WORKED WITH ELVIS PRESLEY ON HIT SONG DIES AT 78 AFTER CANCER BATTLE
Jamaican Reggae, Soul, & Ska musician Jimmy Cliff (born James Chambers) performs onstage at My Father’s Place, Roslyn, New York, Nov. 25, 1979 (Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness honored Cliff in a statement shared on social media.
“Today, Jamaica pauses to honour the life of the Honourable Jimmy Cliff, OM, a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world. Through timeless songs like Many Rivers to Cross, The Harder They Come, You Can Get It If You Really Want, and Sitting in Limbo, Jimmy Cliff told our story with honesty and soul. His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today,” Holness noted.
GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER D’ANGELO DEAD AT 51
Jimmy Cliff performs Squaw Valley ski resort on Aug. 24, 1991 in Squaw Valley, Calif. (Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“We give thanks for his life, his contribution, and the pride he brought to Jamaica. I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and to every Jamaican, I know we feel this loss deeply. Walk good, Jimmy Cliff. Your legacy lives on in every corner of our island and in the hearts of the Jamaican people,” he added.
