Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies at 80

(CNN) –Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer for The Rolling Stones, has died, his publicist announced in a statement to CNN on Tuesday. He was 80 years old.

Watts was part of The Rolling Stones since 1963.

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In a statement on the Instagram account of The Rolling Stones they communicated the news:

“It is with immense sorrow that we announce the death of our Charlie Watts. He died peacefully in a hospital in London today surrounded by his family. Charlie was a loving husband, father and grandfather and also a member of The Rolling Stones and one of the great drummers of his generation. “

The statement, attributed to a Watts spokesperson, asks for privacy for his family, band members and close friends.

On August 5, Watts announced that he would miss the band’s next North American tour.

Watts turned 80 in June and underwent a medical procedure for an unknown condition. A spokesperson for the Rolling Stones at the time issued a statement on Twitter stating that the drummer needs to rest and recover.

“Charlie underwent a procedure that was completely successful, but his doctors concluded this week that he now needs adequate rest and recovery,” the statement said. “With rehearsals starting in a couple of weeks, it’s very disappointing to say the least, but it’s also fair to say that no one saw it coming.”

Watts in 1973. (Evening Standard / Hulton Archive / Getty Images)