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THE GOSPEL COMMUNITY MOURNS AS SINGER RON KENOLY DIES AT 81
9 months ago
Ron Kenoly is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of contemporary praise and worship music, with a ministry that spanned nearly five decades and touched millions worldwide.
Singer Ron Kenoly Dies
Legendary American gospel singer and songwriter Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81.
The influential worship leader passed away on Tuesday, February 3, according to a statement released by his music director, Bruno Miranda, on Kenoly’s official Instagram account.
“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” Miranda announced, confirming the news that has since sent shockwaves across the global Christian and gospel music community.
Just days before his death, Kenoly shared what would become his final Instagram post on Sunday, February 1, reflecting on his decades-long ministry. In the post, he expressed gratitude to those who supported his work over the years, noting the global reach of his calling.
“I am 81 and in my 48th year of ministry. These are some of those who helped me reach over 123 nations around the world over the past 20 years,” he wrote.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the world, with many describing Kenoly as a spiritual giant whose music shaped modern worship.
In an emotional tribute, Miranda said he worked alongside Kenoly for more than two decades, not just as a colleague but as family. “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,” he said.
Miranda also highlighted Kenoly’s firm conviction about worship, noting that the late singer was intentional about rejecting the label of entertainer. “He was not an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader,” Miranda said. “A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.”
“Today we grieve deeply, but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds,” he added.
“Though our hearts are heavy, we submit to the perfect will of God, taking comfort in the blessed assurance that a life spent in faithful devotion is never in vain,” the bishop said, adding that Kenoly’s spirit-filled songs and legacy would continue to speak across generations.
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