Rocker David Crosby Dies At 81

David Crosby has died at the age of 81.

Crosby brought several notable contributions to rock and roll. As a member of The Byrds, he helped cement the group's jangle-pop sound into music history, and he was also a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.

Word of Crosby's death came via his wife in a statement to Variety. According to the publication, "It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan, and son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love and harmony to all who knew David and to those he touched. We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers," the statement concludes.

Tributes to Crosby have begun to be posted on social media.

Rocker Jason Isbell took to Twitter and wrote, "Grateful for the time we had with David Crosby. We will miss him a lot."

Author and former MTV veejay Matt Pinfield tweeted, "Sad to hear about the news that The Byrds and CSN's David Crosby has passed away. I hosted the first ever Musicians Assistance Program/MAP (now MUSICARES) dinner honoring David in 2000. His contributions to folk and rock cannot be overstated."

Melissa Etheridge tweeted a photo along with her tribute. Crosby was the sperm donor for Etheridge's two children.

"Thank you @thedavidcrosby," Etheridge tweeted. "I will miss you my friend."

Musician Ron Sexsmith tweeted, "I was just listening to CSN the other night and was always blown away by his voice and sense of harmony."

Writer Rob Tannenbaum tweeted, "Coincidentally, I interviewed Graham Nash this morning, and he talked about the in-progress CSNY documentary, about his fear he enabled David Crosby's behavior, and about his hope all four of them would put the bickering behind them. RIP Croz."

Beach Boy Brian Wilson tweeted, "I don't know what to say other than I'm heartbroken to hear about David Crosby. David was an unbelievable talent- such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words. Love & mercy to David's family and friends."

Crosby and Michael McDonald were set to release a single together in May.