Watch CBS News

Celebrities, fans mourn the death of the Eagles' Glenn Frey

Celebrities and fans around the world are mourning the death of founding member and guitarist of the Eagles, Glenn Frey, who has died at 67 years old.

Celebrities, musicians and fans took to social media on Monday to pay tribute and remember Frey.

Many also shared photos of Frey, expressing their shock to hear the news of his death.

Fellow musicians also used social media to thank Frey for his contribution.

And even some politicians chimed in on Twitter too.

On Monday, Frey's family released a statement on his website, confirming his death.

"Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia. The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery. Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community & millions of fans worldwide."

Frey was lead vocalist on the Eagles' breakthrough hit, "Take It Easy," a song mostly written by Jackson Browne that came out in 1972. His other showcases included "Peaceful Easy Feeling," ''Already Gone" and "New Kid in Town."

Bandmate Don Henley said, "He was like a brother to me ... We were two young men who made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles with the same dream: to make our mark in the music industry -- and with perseverance, a deep love of music, our alliance with other great musicians and our manager, Irving Azoff, we built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed. But, Glenn was the one who started it all. He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn't quit."

The band members in 1977: Don Henly, drums; Joe Walsh, guitar; Randy Meisner, bass; Glenn Frey, guitar; and Don Felder, guitar. AP

Frey underwent surgery in November. The Eagles were supposed to play at the Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 6, but canceled because of Frey's declining health. At the time, the band released a statement saying Frey "has had a recurrence of previous intestinal issues, which will require major surgery and a lengthy recovery period."

Frey co-founded the Eagles with Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit in 1971, releasing their first studio album, "Eagles," in 1972.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.