Dickey Betts, the influential co-founder and renowned guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band, passes away at the age of 80.

Guitar icon Dickey Betts, co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band and composer of their iconic hit "Ramblin' Man," has passed away at the age of 80. Betts, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, died at his residence in Osprey, Florida, as confirmed by his manager of two decades, David Spero. Betts had been battling cancer for over a year and was also coping with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Spero.

Surrounded by his loved ones, Betts peacefully departed. Spero conveyed that Betts was not experiencing any pain in his final moments. Betts played a pivotal role in the original Allman Brothers Band, sharing lead guitar duties with Duane Allman, thus contributing significantly to the band's distinctive sound and the birth of Southern rock. The Allmans' musical fusion of blues, country, R&B, jazz, and '60s rock left an indelible mark, influencing a myriad of artists including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, Phish, and Jason Isbell, among others.