Reggae Icon Frederick Nathaniel 'Toots' Hibbert Dies at 77 — Here Are the Details

Jamaican musical group Toots & The Maytals have announced the death of their frontman Toots Hibbert, at the age of 77.

Reggae icon and frontman of the Jamaican musical group Toots & The Maytals, Toots Hibbert has died at 77. The news of the musical legend's passing was made known by his group in a tweet that read:

"It is with the heaviest of hearts to announce that Frederick Nathaniel "Toots" Hibbert passed away peacefully tonight, surrounded by his family…"

According to the tweet, Hibberts died at the West Indies' University Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. A picture that accompanied the tweet also read:

"The family and his management team would like to thank the medical teams and professionals for their care and diligence, and ask that you respect their privacy…"

Hibbert is survived by his wife, Doreen, popularly known as Miss D, who he has been married to for 39 years. He is also survived by seven of eight children.

His musical group's announcement did not reveal the cause of Hibbert's death though previous tweets from them revealed that he was in an intensive care unit awaiting his COVID-19 test result.

Cliff said that Hibbert was one of the artists he loved and respected because the latter was one of the persons who got him into smoking herbs.

Hibbert's death comes a few weeks after his band released their new album titled "Got to Be Tough," their first full-length LP in more than a decade. Hibbert is widely regarded as the pioneer of reggae music.

Since his passing, many musical icons have taken turns to pay tribute to his legacy. One such icon is Jimmy Cliff, a longtime friend and tourmate of the deceased who competed with him artistically in a friendly atmosphere.

In a chat with Rolling Stone, Cliff said that Hibbert was one of the artists he loved and respected because the latter was one of the persons who got him into smoking herbs.

He described Hibbert as a creative artist which is one thing he would never forget about him. Cliff also said that Hibbert had an amazing voice that was unique and inspired him.

Another Jamaican singer, Ziggy Marley paid tribute to Hibbert via a tweet. Marley revealed that he spoke with Hibbert a few weeks ago and told him how much he loved him.

Marley described the legendary singer as a father figure to him, saying he would never forget him before adding that Hibbert's spirit remained with the world. Rest in Peace Hibbert!