Jimmy Cliff, the renowned Jamaican reggae musician, has died at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his passing in a heartfelt statement on Instagram. She revealed that Cliff died due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.

In her message, Chambers expressed profound sadness and gratitude for the support Cliff received throughout his life. "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," she wrote. Chambers also thanked the medical staff for their support during this difficult time.

Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, in Saint James, Jamaica, Cliff began his music career in the 1960s after moving to Kingston. He adopted his stage name during this period and released his first hit, "Hurricane Hattie," at just 14 years old. Cliff's early work included popular songs like "King of Kings," "Dearest Beverley," and "Miss Jamaica."

Cliff's international fame grew in the 1970s with hits such as "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" and "Vietnam." The latter was praised by Bob Dylan as "the greatest protest song ever written." In 1972, Cliff starred in the film "The Harder They Come," which showcased reggae music to a global audience and featured a soundtrack that included many of his biggest hits.

Throughout his career, Cliff collaborated with numerous music legends, including Kool & The Gang, The Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon. His songs have been covered by artists like Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson. In 2009, Cliff was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was officially inducted in 2010, becoming one of the few Jamaican artists to receive this honor alongside Bob Marley.

Cliff's influence on reggae music and culture is significant. He was instrumental in bringing the genre to international prominence and is often credited with helping to shape its identity. His music continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Chambers concluded her message with a personal note, saying, "Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes. I hope you all can respect our privacy during these hard times. Further information will be provided at a later date."

This story is still developing as more details emerge about Cliff's life and legacy.