The following message was posted on the official Ronnie James Dio website yesterday by his wife and manager Wendy Dio:
Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.
- Wendy Dio
There wasn't just one Ronnie James Dio.
There was Black Sabbath-Dio, Rainbow-Dio, Heaven & Hell-Dio...and of course simply Dio.
He was a little guy with a huge voice and a big heart. An intelligent, charming, and classy man who was not just the metal crooner that we loved him for - but also a husband, father, producer, and animal lover.
Regardless of which Dio-era you favored, or like many of us you loved everything the man did, it's impossible not to feel the colossal loss of his passing.
He was 67 years old but you wouldn't know that watching him on stage; even up until his most recent tour Ronnie James Dio was a dynamic and nimble stage presence.
Diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2009, Dio was receiving treatment and fans had high hopes that he'd be able to slay this dragon and persevere. Sadly, Ronnie James Dio passed away on May 16, 2010.
Sincere condolences go out to his wife, family, and friends in this time of heart wrenching loss.
Check out the slideshow below for some photos of Ronnie James Dio at this Chicago stop of the 2007 Heaven & Hell tour. Photos by Adam Bielawski.
Comments
Sass, thank you for the great story and I am honored that you used my images... the father of Metal, Ronnie James Dio... I miss you... I know that you chose Heaven! My prayers are with you... Dio is Heavy Metal...
Awesome article! :-( I will print this down for my bf...Dio was one of his idols! Light a candle for DIO!
Great artical Melanie. Ronnie will surely be missed.
A terrible loss. Such a genuinely nice guy and amazing performer.
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