Legendary blues guitarist B.B. King passed away Thursday, CNN reports.
According to his daughter, Patty King, the 89-year-old died in Las Vegas. He was in hospice care after suffering from chronic diabetes-related dehydration. Back in October, King was forced to cancel eight performances after falling ill.
“[King] was immediately evaluated by a doctor and diagnosed with dehydration and suffering from exhaustion whereby causing the eight remaining shows of his current tour to be cancelled,” a statement posted to his website read at the time.
The musical icon was born Riley B. King in Itta Bena, Mississippi on September, 16 1925 on a cotton plantation. He got his start singing with church choirs during childhood. He learned basic guitar chords from his uncle, who was also a preacher. He is best known for hits like “Three O’Clock Blues,” “The Thrill Is Gone” and “You Upset Me Baby.”
King is survived by 11 children.
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