Glenn Frey, a founding member of the Eagles, died Monday (Jan. 18) in New York City, the band announced on its official website. He was 67.

“Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia,” the band posted. “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 and millions of fans worldwide.”

Frey’s health illness became public in early November when the Eagles announced they would be unable to participate in the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington on Dec. 6. In a press statement at the time, the band added, “The Kennedy Center has graciously agreed to postpone the Eagles’ award presentation until next year, when all four Eagles, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, can attend.”

A native of Michigan, Frey played guitar and keyboards and sang lead vocals the Eagles early country-influenced songs such classics such as "Take It Easy,” "Peaceful Easy Feeling" and "Tequila Sunrise,” along with “Already Gone," "Lyin' Eyes," "New Kid in Town" and "Heartache Tonight."

As a solo artist, Frey’s hits include “The Heat Is On” (featured in the film Beverly Hills Cop) and “You Belong to the City.”