WASHINGTON — British musician Denny Laine, who cofounded Moody Blues and Paul McCartney's band Wings, has died. He was 79.
His wife Elizabeth Hines confirmed his death Tuesday in a social media post.
"My darling husband passed away peacefully early this morning. I was at his bedside, holding his hand as I played his favorite Christmas songs for him," Hines wrote on the singer's official Facebook page. "He’s been singing Christmas songs the past few weeks and I continued to play Christmas songs while he’s been in ICU on a ventilator this past week."
"My world will never be the same. Denny was an amazingly wonderful person, so loving and sweet to me. He made my days colorful, fun and full of life-just like him," she continued. "Thank you sweetie for loving me, for all the laughter, friendship, fun and for asking me to be your wife. I will love you forever."
For months, Laine has been battling interstitial lung disease, which he developed after he had COVID-19 last year.
In a GoFundMe page set up for Laine, Hines revealed that the musician had undergone three surgeries, including one for a collapsed lung, and had a bacterial infection in his blood.
"He and I both believed he would overcome his health setbacks and return to the rehabilitation center and eventually home," Hines said on Facebook. "Unfortunately, his lung disease, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), is unpredictable and aggressive; each infection weakened and damaged his lungs. He fought everyday. He was so strong and brave, never complained. "
Laine, who was born on Oct. 29, 1944, was the cofounder and lead singer of Moody Blues. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
The singer-guitarist wrote numerous songs for the band, especially in early years, and sang the lead vocals on their first big hit "Go Now."
The British musician is also known for playing guitar alongside Paul and Linda McCartney in the band Wings.