'Lean on Me' singer-songwriter Bill Withers dies at 81

Bill Withers, who wrote popular soulful songs like 'Lean On Me', 'Lovely Day' and 'Aint No Sunshine', has died. He was 81.

In a statement, his family said Withers died in Los Angeles of heart complications.

"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other," their statement read.

"As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones."

The three-time Grammy Award winner, who stopped recording in 1985, died on Monday.