Tributes have been rolling in overnight for The Monkees singer and guitarist Michael Nesmith, who has died aged 78.
The star was surrounded by his family when he passed away "peacefully and of natural causes".
In a statement, the family said: "We ask that you respect our privacy at this time and we thank you for the love and light that all of you have shown him and us."
He achieved international fame as part of the American pop quartet in the 1960s, but was also a successful novelist and businessman.
Just last month, Michael had completed a Monkees farewell tour with his bandmate Micky Dolenz.
The pair had played around 40 dates across the US between September and November.
In a tweet, Micky Dolenz - now the only surviving member of the band - said he was "so grateful" he got to spend the last few months with his bandmate "doing what we loved best – singing, laughing, and doing shtick".
I’m heartbroken.
I’ve lost a dear friend and partner.
I’m so grateful that we could spend the last couple of months together doing what we loved best – singing, laughing, and doing shtick.
I’ll miss it all so much. Especially the shtick.
Rest in peace, Nez.
All my love,
Micky pic.twitter.com/xe8i5jmNgL— Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) December 10, 2021
Andrew Sandoval, the band's manager, said the last tour was a "true blessing for so many".
He said: "In the end I know that Michael was at peace with his legacy which included songwriting, producing, acting, direction and so many innovative ideas and concepts.
"I am positive the brilliance he captured will resonate and offer the love and light towards which he always moved."
The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr was among the other stars paying tribute to Nesmith:
God bless Mike Nesmith peace and love to all his family. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎵🎶🌈☮️ pic.twitter.com/GYnokygcHG
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) December 11, 2021
The Monkees were initially formed for a sitcom of the same name - originally broadcast in the late 1960s, but which enjoyed a fresh surge of popularity in the 1980s and 90s.
The band had a number of international hits, including iconic singles such as I'm a Believer and Daydream Believer.
Band member Peter Tork passed away two years ago, while Davy Jones died aged 66 in 2012.
