Advertisement

Rocker Ronnie James Dio dead at 67

Ronnie James Dio of the band "Black Sabbath" arrives for the Warner Music Group's Grammy After Party at The Cathedral in Los Angeles on February 11, 2007. (UPI Photo/David Silpa)
1 of 10 | Ronnie James Dio of the band "Black Sabbath" arrives for the Warner Music Group's Grammy After Party at The Cathedral in Los Angeles on February 11, 2007. (UPI Photo/David Silpa) | License Photo

LOS ANGELES, May 17 (UPI) -- Ronnie James Dio has died of stomach cancer, his wife Wendy confirmed on the U.S. rocker's Web site Sunday. He was 67.

Dio is best known for his work as lead singer of the bands Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven and Hell.

Advertisement

"Today my heart is broken," Wendy Dio said in her Internet posting.

"Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. May 16," she said. "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. 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."

CNN said Dio last appeared publicly in April at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards where he was presented with a Vocalist of the Year honor for his work on 2009's Heaven and Hell album, "The Devil You Know."

Latest Headlines