RIP Ronnie James "Dio"

Ronnie James Dio, the pint-sized heavy metal singer who replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, died today, five months after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, his wife said. He was 67.

Rumors of his death began circulating yesterday when somebody edited his Wikipedia entry, buthis wife said she was at the hospital with the singer and “although he’s not doing well, he is not dead.”

Sadly his death was confirmed this morning.

“Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away,” Dio’s wife Wendy said.

“Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.”

A sad day in music history, RIP the Holy Diver.

Via Reuters.