Ron Kenoly Dies At The Age Of 81, What Was The Reason Behind His Death?

Gospel legend, Ron Kenoly passed away on February 3, 2026. He was a celebrated American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter. The tragic news of his demise was confirmed by Bruno Miranda, Ron’s longtime music director. For the unversed, Ron Kenoly served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1968. During his tenure in the military service, he performed with a cover band, the Mellow Fellows. Later, after his service, he returned to LA and pursued a full-time music ministry.

Ron Kenoly dies at the age of 81

The death of Ron Kenoly has left his family, friends and fans heartbroken. The disheartening news of his demise was confirmed by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda. For the uninitiated, Bruno had worked closely with Ron for more than two decades. Ron Kenoly was 81 years old when he passed away. Confirming the death of Ron, Bruno shared a statement:

"This morning, February 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly. For over 20 years, I had the honour of walking alongside him in ministry around the world, not just as his music director, but as a son, a student, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness. Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader."

What caused Ron Kenoly's death?

While the death of Ron Kenoly was confirmed by his music director, Bruno, through a statement, nothing has been revealed about his cause of death. He reportedly underwent a medical procedure back in 2024. Ron is survived by his wife, Tavita Kenoly and their three children, Samuel, Ronald, and Tony.

When Ron Kenoly's son, Samuel Kenoly, shared about his health scare

On June 17, 2024, Ron Kenoly’s son, Samuel Kenoly, took to his Instagram handle and shared about his health scare. In the picture, the Gospel legend is seen sitting on a hospital bed, and his three sons have come to visit him. Samuel mentioned that his father was suffering from pneumonia, and after facing some adverse effects of the medication, he had been hospitalised. He wrote:

"The last couple of days we’ve had some scares, Dr. Ron Kenoly picking up pneumonia and then having adverse effects from conflicting medications. But God is Good! He’s getting better; in his own words, 'I’m out of the woods, but not out of the swamp.'Thank you for all of your many prayers. So grateful God hears us when we call!"

More about Ron Kenoly

Ron Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas. After high school, he moved to Hollywood, California. Later, he served in the United States Air Force for three years. After his military service, he returned to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time music ministry. Eventually, Ron became one of the most influential artists in contemporary Christian worship music. In 1992, he rose to fame with the release of Lift Him Up.

Ron became well known with the songs, Ancient of Days, Jesus Is Alive, and We’re Going Up. Over the years, he released more than 20 albums, including God Is Able, Sing Out With One Voice and Welcome Home. Besides music, Ron was widely known as a respected pastor and worship leader who served at Jubilee Christian Centre in San Jose, California. While the tributes pour in for the Gospel legend, Bruno Miranda expressed his grief over his passing. He remembered how the music icon guided him. He wrote:

"Off the stage, Doc carried the same integrity, humility, and reverence for God that the world saw under the lights. He taught me that worship begins long before the first note is played, shaped by obedience, character, and a deep fear of the Lord. Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds. Until we meet again, my pastor, my mentor, my friend."

Team BollywoodShaadis offers our heartfelt condolences to Ron Kenoly's family.

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