Jimmy Cliff, the two-time Grammy winning Jamaican musician and reggae legend, has died. He was 81.

Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death in a statement on his Instagram page Monday.

“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” Chambers wrote.

Jimmy Cliff performs at the Mile High Music Festival in Colorado in Aug. 2010. Getty Images

Jimmy Cliff performs at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans in April 2015. Getty Images

“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him,” she continued. “To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love. I also wanted to thank Dr. Couceyro and the whole medical staff, as they have been extremely supportive and helpful during this difficult process.”

“Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes,” Chambers said. “I hope you all can respect our privacy during these hard times. Further information will be provided at a later date. See you and we see you Legend.”

Jimmy Cliff at the 25th Annual Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in March 2010. Getty Images

Jimmy Cliff in 1966. Getty Images

Chambers also signed the message from the couple’s children, Lilty and Aken.

Cliff, whose real name was James Chambers, was born in Saint James, Jamaica in 1944. His music career started in the 1960s after he moved to the island’s capital, Kingston, and began working with reggae producer Leslie Kong. He also adopted his stage name at that time.

Jimmy Cliff in London in May 1974. Getty Images

Jimmy Cliff attends the 25th Annual Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2010. Getty Images

Cliff released his first hit song, “Hurricane Hattie,” when he was 14. He released more popular local songs including “King of Kings”, “Dearest Beverley”, “Miss Jamaica”, and “Pride and Passion,” before signing with Island Records and moving to the UK.

In his 20s, Cliff became an international star thanks to his singles “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” and “Vietnam.”

According to Cliff’s website, Bob Dylan once proclaimed that “Vietnam” was “the greatest protest song ever written.” 

Jimmy Cliff performs on day 3 of the Beatherder Festival 2013. Redferns via Getty Images

Jimmy Cliff performs during the Purkersdorfer Open Air Sommer in Austria in June 2013. Redferns via Getty Images

Jimmy Cliff at the Q Awards in 2002. Redferns

In 1972, Cliff starred in the reggae film “The Harder They Come” and also created the soundtrack. The film “drew an international spotlight to reggae,” Cliff’s website noted.

Throughout his career, Cliff collaborated with other music icons like Kool & The Gang, The Rolling Stones and Paul Simon, while artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson covered versions of his songs.

In 2009, Cliff was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was officially inducted on March 15, 2009 by Wyclef Jean.

Jimmy Cliff performs in Tauranga, New Zealand on March 27, 2015. Getty Images

Jimmy Cliff performs at the 2012 Celebrate Brooklyn! Opening Night and Gala. WireImage

Cliff enjoyed a career resurgence in 2012 with the release of his album “Rebirth,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

“Now, I feel I have not completed what I’m here on this planet to do,” he said on his website about his “Rebirth” album’s sucesss. “I have to say what I have to say and do what I have to do via music and films. Every morning I wake up, that keeps me going.”

Jimmy Cliff and Shaggy perform onstage during Homeward Bound: A GRAMMY Salute To The Songs Of Paul Simon in April 2022. Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Cliff released his final album, “Refugees,” in 2022. In total, he released over 30 studio albums.