HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio was pronounced dead early Sunday after a long bout with cancer. He was 67.
"Today my heart is broken," his wife, Wendy Dio, wrote on the singer’s official Web site, adding the rocker died at 7:45 a.m. "Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away.
"Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all," she continued. "We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.
Dio disclosed last summer that he was suffering from stomach cancer. He made the announcement shortly after wrapping up a tour with his band Heaven and Hell, the latest incarnation of Black Sabbath.
Dio first rose to fame as the first lead singer of Rainbow in the 1970s. He went on to replace legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath in 1980. His first effort with the band was "Heaven And Hell," considered by many as one of the finest heavy metal albums of all time.
