Charlie Watts Dead At 80; Mick Jagger, Keith Richards Pay Tribute To Rolling Stones Drummer

Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and more celebrities are paying tribute to Charlie Watts after the musician passed away earlier this week.

The Rolling Stones drummer, who was previously treated for throat cancer in 2004, died at the age of 80 at a hospital in London Monday surrounded by loved ones. His rep confirmed the news via a statement published on the Rolling Stones' Twitter account Tuesday.

"It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts," the statement read. "He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family."

The statement continued, "Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation. We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time."

Following the news, his bandmates of almost 60 years took to social media to honor him. Jagger shared on Twitter and Instagram a snap of Watts smiling while on the drums. The singer didn't include any caption, but his post was flooded with comments from fans also mourning the drummer.

"I am so sad baby. We will miss him," Brazilian TV host and former model Luciana Gimenez commented.

Another follower wrote, "I've cried several times today. My feelings to the family and the band."

Guitarist Richards also paid tribute to Watts by sharing on Twitter a picture of a set of drums with a "closed" sign on it.

Tributes continued to pour in for Watts on social media.

Sir Paul McCartney said in a video message, "Love you Charlie, I've always loved you, beautiful man, and great condolences and sympathies to his family."

His bandmate, Sir Ringo Starr, also tweeted a picture, writing: "God bless Charlie Watts, we're going to miss you man, peace and love to the family, Ringo."

Sir Elton John described Watts as "the most stylish of men" in his own message.

"Woah. His opening riff on Beast of Burden jumped into my head. The music lives. RIP, Charlie Watt. He always seemed above it all. Good for him," Jeffrey Wright tweeted.

"The world will miss you, Charlie Watt. Rest in magic," Nancy Wilson wrote.

Rocker Alice Cooper said the music world had lost "one of rock and roll's true gentlemen."

Earlier this month, Watts' spokesman said he was unlikely to join the band for the resumption of the Rolling Stones' U.S. "No Filter" tour this fall because he underwent a medical procedure. It was reportedly successful, but he needed to rest and had asked his friend Steve Jordan to cover for him.

"For once my timing has been a little off," Watts said at the time. "I am working hard to get fully fit, but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while. After all the fans' suffering caused by [COVID-19] I really do not want the many fans who have been holding tickets for this Tour to be disappointed by another postponement or cancellation. I have therefore asked my great friend Steve Jordan to stand in for me."