Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died in a London hospital Tuesday. He was 80. “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts,” his publicist said in a statement to Variety.

“He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family. 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.” No cause of death was disclosed. 

The Guardian noted that Watts has performed with the rock and roll band for about 60 years, but he recently announced he would not tour North America next month with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood as planned because he was recovering from a medical procedure. “Charlie has had a procedure which was completely successful, but I gather his doctors this week concluded that he now needs proper rest and recuperation,” his representative said at the time. “With rehearsals starting in a couple of weeks it’s very disappointing to say the least, but it’s also fair to say no one saw this coming.” 

CNN said Watts was a heavy smoker and successfully battled throat cancer in 2004. In addition to drumming for the Stones, he was also an accomplished jazz musician, performing as the lead of ABC&D of Boogie Woogie, the Charlie Watts Orchestra and Charlie Watts Quintet.

He is survived by Shirley Ann Shepherd, his wife since 1964, and their daughter, Seraphina.  “God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family,” former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr tweeted.

Starr’s former bandmate, Paul McCartney, posted a video on Twitter, mourning the musician’s death. “He was a lovely guy. I knew he was ill, but I didn’t know he was this ill,” McCartney said. “Charlie was a rock, and a fantastic drummer, steady as a rock. Love you Charlie. I’ve always loved you — a beautiful man.”