Photo of Glenn Frey at 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, by Andy Kropa/Invision

The Eagles founding member Glenn Frey has died at 67, the band confirmed Monday.

According to a statement, the legendary singer-guitarist passed away earlier today in New York City after recently battling rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia.

Citing Frey's health issues and subsequent "major surgery," the band in November canceled an appearance at last month's Kennedy Center Honors, where they were slated to be recognized alongside the likes of Cicely Tyson, Carole King and George Lucas.

The Kennedy Center responded by postponing the band's honor until December 2016 with the expectation that "all four Eagles" would be able to attend.

Frey wrote or co-wrote many of the Eagles' hits, usually with bandmate Don Henley. In addition to winning with six Grammys with the band, Frey also launched a successful solo career.

Calling Frey his "brother" in a statement released Monday afternoon, Henley said: “We were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction. But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved."

He continued, noting: "We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow ... I’m not sure I believe in fate, but I know that crossing paths with Glenn Lewis Frey in 1970 changed my life forever, and it eventually had an impact on the lives of millions of other people all over the planet. 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."