Canadian country music star Ronnie Prophet, who rose to fame during the 1970s and 1980s, has died at the age of 80.
A Prophet family spokesperson announced the news Friday on Facebook.
“With a very heavy heart, but with so many fond memories, so very sad to hear the legendary Ronnie Prophet passed away this morning at the age of 80. The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame member was probably the most gifted Canadian country music entertainer to every hit any stage. Chet Atkins once said Ronnie put on the greatest one-man show he had ever seen.
"My sincere and deepest condolences to Glory-Anne Prophet, the rest of his family, friends and fans. Godspeed, my friend, and thanks so much for the music, the laughs, the interviews and the lessons."
The country singer’s wife said in a separate Facebook post that “there are no words to express the heartache” of losing her “best friend and the love of (her) life.”
Prophet released more than 25 albums during his career, and topped the Billboard country charts with five singles during the '70s. Prophet was also awarded Country Male Vocalist of the Year at the Juno Awards in 1978 and 1979.
Born in Hawkesbury, Ont. and raised in Calumet, Que, Prophet began his career at the age of 15 in Ottawa, later moving to Montréal to perform in nightclubs, before making his way to Nashville.