“It is with the heaviest of hearts to announce that Frederick Nathaniel ‘Toots’ Hibbert passed away peacefully tonight, surrounded by his family at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica,” the band said in a statement on Twitter.

While the cause of death is still unknown, Hibbert’s family announced that he was hospitalized in late August after experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms and was awaiting his test results. Hibbert’s publicist, Claude Mills, later told the Jamaica Gleaner on September 2 that the musician was “fighting for his life” and placed in a medically-induced coma.

Ziggy Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley who was recently featured on Toots and the Maytals’ cover of “Three Little Birds,” posted a commemorative tweet remembering Hibbert on Saturday.

“I spoke with him a few weeks ago told him how much I loved him and what he means to me, we laughed and shared our mutual respect,” he wrote. “I am fully in sorrow tonight I will miss his smile and laughter his genuine nature @tootsmaytalsofficial was a father figure to me his spirit is with us his music fills us with his energy I will never forget him. #foundingfather”

Trojan Records, the band’s reggae label, wrote on Twitter: “We are so sad to hear of the passing of Toots. A true pioneer who changed lives and brought so much joy through his music. We have lost a true legend. Your music will live on forever Fredrick Nathaniel “Toots” Hibbert.”

Toots and the Maytals released their first studio album in over a decade, titled Got To Be Tough, on August 28, bringing the unique elements of reggae, ska, Jamaican mento and rock ’n’ roll that has been a staple across his six-decade career.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared a photo of him and Hibbert—who he met in July of last year—on his Twitter, writing that he mourns “with all Jamaicans” as he woke to the news of Hibbert’s passing.

“Over the years, Toots has added significant value to #BrandJamaica and many of us will remember him as one of Jamaica’s best musical talents,” Holness tweeted. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and friends, and to the many people who loved and supported him and his music, both in Jamaica and around the world.”

Legendary rock group The Who shared a tribute to Hibbert and their musical relationship on social media. The band shared a recent photo of Hibbert with the caption, “Rest in peace Frederick “Toots” Hibbert, 1942-2020. @tootsmaytals supported The Who on their 1975 US tour. Toots released a new album, Got To Be Tough, last month on the@JamaicaTrojan label.”

Paul Arthurs, a co-founder of the rock band Oasis, and Debbie Harry of Blondie also paid their respects to Hibbert on Twitter. Jamaican reggae band Morgan Heritage, who referred to Hibbert as “Uncle Toots,” shared in a tweet that his passing “feels unreal.”

Toots and the Maytals released hits such as “Pressure Drop,” “54-46 That’s My Number” and “Funky Kingston.” The band was formed in the early 1960s and were major figures in popularizing reggae music.

Hibbert is survived by his wife of 39 years and his seven of eight children.