Himbert died “peacefully” in Jamaica, “surrounded by his family”, at University Hospital in the West Indies late Friday night, a Twitter statement said.
While the cause of his death has not been announced, the band said on Sept. 3 that Hibbert was in intensive care and was waiting to receive coronavirus test results.
“The family and its management team would like to thank the medical teams and professionals for their care and diligence, and ask that you respect their privacy during their grief,” the statement said.
It was added that Hibbert has a wife of 39 years and seven of his eight children.
Among those who paid tribute to Hibbert on Saturday were Trojan Records, the rag label that released the album by Toots and The Metals.
In a statement posted on Twitter, he said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Toots’ death. A true pioneer who changed lives and brought so much joy through his music. We have lost a true legend. Your music will live on forever.” Frederick Nathaniel ‘Toots’ Hibbert. “
The next person to die more than a decade after his debut album, “Got to Be Tough,” was released.
Ziggly Marley, son of reggae star Bob Marley, contributed to Toots and The Metals’ latest album, featuring a cover of his late father’s song “Three Little Birds”.
Respecting Hibbert on social media, Marley tweeted that he saw the musician as a “father figure,” adding that he would “never forget” him.
Marley also said the pair spoke a few weeks before Hibbert’s death.
The hit films of Toots and The Metals include “Pressure Drop,” “Monkey Man” and “Do the Reggae”, the last of which is said to have given the genre its name.
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