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POP singer Johnny Tillotson, who had multiple top 10 hits over the years including Poetry in Motion, has died aged 86.
The legend’s heartbroken wife Nancy announced the tragic news to social media, revealing Tillotson had passed away on Tuesday.
Nancy told TMZ that her husband had died due to complications from Parkinson’s at his home in LA, surrounded by family.
Her post reads: “It is with a broken heart that I write to let you know that the sweetest, kindest man I ever met Johnny Tillotson, left earth for Heaven yesterday.
“He was my best beloved, Champion of my realm, Knight of my heart. Someone said, that sometimes right in the middle of an ordinary life you get a fairy tale.
“The day I met him I got mine. He was funny, generous and kind. A gentleman through and through.
“He loved and was grateful to his fans, as he once said, they made every dream I ever had come true.
“Once again on his behalf I say thank you for that.”
Tillotson rocketed to stardom in 1960 after releasing his hit single Poetry in Motion.
This tremendous track peaked at Number 2 on the charts in the US.
The legend then followed up with Without You the following year, which reached Number 7.
The likes of Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Elvis Presley have covered some of the legend’s songs, like Talk Back Trembling Lips, You Can Never Stop Me Loving You, and It Keeps Right on a-Hurtin.
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Tillotson’s incredible song-writing ability got him nominated for two Grammy’s in the 1960s.
The last album he released, in 1977, was titled Johnny Tillotson.
The legend is survived by his wife Nancy, his stepdaughter Genevieve, his brother Dan, and his beloved grandchildren Nia, Jackson, Georgia, and Gwyneth.
Tributes for Tillotson have poured in on social media from heartbroken fans.
One reads: “Johnny was the very best. He is singing with the angels now. He meant the world to so many people. Blessed be his memory.”
Another said: “I still listen to Johnny’s music all the time. My grandkids know all his songs.”
And: “He will be deeply missed by us all. Take pride in his strength and talent. A true gentleman.”
