The following message from Levon Helm’s official web page:

“Levon Helm passed peacefully this afternoon. He was surrounded by family, friends and band mates and will be remembered by all he touched as a brilliant musician and a beautiful soul.”

Helm had fought a long battle with cancer, and, earlier this week, his family informed his fans that his battle was in its end-stage. He passed away today at 1:30 PM at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. His presence will be missed throughout the music community.