Ronnie James Dio Passes Away At 67
Ronnie James Dio Passes Away At 67
Ronnie James Dio has died. The rocker was 67-years-old when he succumbed to cancer on Sunday. Born Ronald James Padavona on July 10, 1942, Dio will be remembered as one of heavy metal's signature frontmen. Dio's rock resume included work with Black Sabbath, Elf, Rainbow, and his namesake band Dio. In recent years, the rocker collaborated with his former Sabbath bandmates -- Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice, on a side project called Heaven & Hell. Dio's wife and manager, Wendy Dio, broke the news of Dio's passing to Blabbermouth.net in a statement that read, quote, "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. [on Sunday] 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away."
In the fall of 2009, Wendy Dio announced to the world that her husband had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. In early reports, Wendy announced some progress in Dio's battle with the disease while thanking the rocker's many fans for their cards, letters and e-mails. Wendy Dio also added to her public statement on Sunday, "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."
