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The year has not gotten off to a good start in the world of entertainment and rock and roll. We just learned that Glenn Frey, founding member and guitarist of The Eagles, died today. He was 67.

Frey co-wrote and sang on a number of Eagles hits, including "Take It Easy," "Tequila Sunrise," "Lyin' Eyes," and "Heartache Tonight." He also co-wrote "Hotel California" and "Desperado" with co-founder Don Henley and took home six Grammys with the band, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner were also founding members when the band formed in 1971.

News of Frey’s death was confirmed on the band’s official website, Eagles.com:

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announced the passing of our comrade, Eagles founder, Glenn Frey in New York City on Monday, January 18th, 2006.

Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia.

The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery.

Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community & millions of fans worldwide.

Cindy Frey | Taylor Frey | Deacon Frey | Otis Frey | Don Henley | Joe Walsh | Timothy B. Schmit | Bernie Leadon | Irving Azoff

After the Eagles' breakup in 1980, Frey launched a successful solo career and recorded a number of memorable songs, including "The Heat Is On" and "You Belong to the City." His fifth and final solo album, After Hours was released in 2012. Frey will also be remembered for a recurring role on the ’80s TV show Miami Vice.

According to news reports, Frey had a history of intestinal problems and had a recent relapse that forced the Eagles to cancel their appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors in New York City in December. The band said at the time that Frey needed major surgery that would require a lengthy recovery.

TMZ published the following statement from Don Henley:

He was like a brother to me; we were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction. But the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken…

We built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed. But Glenn was the one who started it all. It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it. But I will be grateful, every day, that he was in my life. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some.