Dickey Betts of Allman Brothers Band Honored by Ex-Bandmates After His Death

Dickey Betts’ ex-fellow Allman Brothers Band members are honoring the late singer-songwriter and guitarist.

After news of Betts’ death at age 80 was confirmed by his family on April 18, his former “Ramblin’ Man” bandmates reacted with a heartfelt statement issued to PEOPLE in a press release.

“With deep sadness the Allman Brothers Band learned today that founding member Dickey Betts has passed away peacefully in his home in Sarasota, Florida, following a period of declining health,” wrote the Grammy-winning band, co-founded by brothers Duane and Gregg Allman with an original lineup also featuring Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson.

“Dickey wrote quintessential Brothers songs including ‘Blue Sky,’ ‘Rambling Man,’ ‘Jessica,’ ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed’ and many others,” continued the statement. “His extraordinary guitar playing alongside guitarist Duane Allman created a unique dual guitar signature sound that became the signature sound of the genre known as Southern Rock.”

“He was passionate in life, be it music, songwriting, fishing, hunting, boating, golf, karate or boxing. Dickey was all in on and excelled at anything that caught his attention,” the musicians said.

“Betts joins his brothers, Duane Allman, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks and Gregg Allman, as well as ABB crew, members Twiggs Lyndon, Joe Dan Petty, Red Dog, Kim Payne and Mike Callahan in that old Winnebago in the sky touring the world taking their music to all who will listen,” they added.

“Our condolences to his immediate family Donna, Duane & Lisa, Christy & Frank, Jessica and Kim. Play on Brother Dickey, you will be forever remembered and deeply missed,” concluded the statement, attributed to “Allman Brothers Band, Family and Crew.”

Betts played with the band from 1969 through 2000, when he claimed to have been fired. However, in a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Johanson alleged he actually quit the group.

News of the musician’s death came with a statement on his official Instagram page from his family alongside a throwback photo of Betts.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts (December 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024) at the age of 80 years old,” the caption began. “The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch passed away earlier today at his home in Osprey, FL., surrounded by his family.”

The family continued: “Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide. At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days. More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time.”

PEOPLE can confirm Betts’ cause of death was cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to the late artist’s manager David Spero.