Dickey Betts, the legendary guitarist best known for his work in the Allman Brothers Band, has died at the age of 80.

Bates reportedly passed away on Thursday, April 18, in Osprey, Florida. type.

News of his death was announced by his family, who shared their heartfelt messages on social media Instagram.

They wrote: “It is with deep sadness that the Betts family announces the passing of Forest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts (December 1943 – April 18, 2024 ) passed away peacefully at the age of 80. “

“Dickie was larger than life and his passing will be felt around the world,” they added, going on to urge fans to give the mourning family some space and privacy.

Bates co-founded the Allman Brothers Band, marking the beginning of a musical journey that would shape the entire era of the ’60s and ’70s.

After Duane’s tragic death in 1971 at the age of 24, Bates was ready to take a more prominent role in the band as songwriter, instrumentalist and occasional vocalist.

Despite briefly retiring from the music scene in 2014, Bates couldn’t resist and returned to music production in 2017, using boredom as motivation.