Muhammad Ali‘s younger brother, Rahaman, passed away Friday at the age of 82.

Rahaman died at a hospice in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky after spending the final weeks of his life there.

“Today, the last living member of my father’s immediate family returned to heaven,” a statement from his niece, Hana, read.

“My Uncle, lovingly known as Rock, was a sweet, gentle soul with a heart as big as the world. He had that same sparkle in his eye that my father had… that same light, that same mischief, that same love. They were close their entire lives, brothers by blood, but friends by choice. Even as children, their bond was extraordinary. My father loved his brother like he was his own child.

“I can just picture them now, reunited in heaven… playing Cowboys and Indians with the broomsticks they used to find in Mama Bird and Papa Cash’s closet. Daddy always insisted on being the Cowboy, and Rock the Indian. Or maybe they’re back to one of their favourite games, Daddy convincing Rock to throw actual rocks at him so he could prove how fast he was by dodging them.

“Whatever they’re doing up there, I know it’s full of joy, laughter, and the kind of brotherly love that helped shape our family.

“Uncle Rock had a heart of gold. He never needed a spotlight to shine, and I believe that now, from above, he and Daddy are part of something bigger… something beautiful… something meant to help heal this broken world.

“God bless you, Uncle Rock. You will be missed. You will be forever loved. And when my time comes, I hope you and Daddy will both be there, waiting to welcome me home.”

Rahaman was born on July 18, 1943 as Rudolph Arnett Clay. He competed as a professional boxer, just like his brother, from 1964-1972. Following the end of his career, Rahaman trained and travelled with his brother and was ever-present at his biggest fights, including the “Thrilla In Manila” on October 1, 1975.

In June 2016, Ali died at the age of 74 after suffering from septic shock following hospitalisation because of a respiratory illness.

The Muhammad Ali Center’s president DeVone Holt said in a statement: “You can’t tell Muhammad’s story without mentioning Rahaman. He was one of the most constant sources of support for Muhammad during this career and their relationship was a true example of what it means to be ‘my brother’s keeper.’”