Eagles guitarist Glenn Frey dead just months after end of 'History tour

Eagles co-founder and guitarist Glenn Frey died today in New York City as a result of complications from several diseases, according to various news outlets.

Entertainment website TMZ says Frey had surgery in November for intestinal issues, and his condition worsened recently. He also was batting rheumatoid arthritis and pneumonia in addition to acute ulcerative colitis.

Billboard.com said Frey's health issues caused the postponement of the band's Kennedy Center Honors award.

Frey was co-writer with drummer and vocalist Don Henley of two of the band's best known songs: "Hotel California" and "Desperado," and had success with a solo singer career after the Eagles' 1980 breakup, recording such hits as "The Heat is On" and "You Belong to the City."

Henley issued this statement in memory of his co-founder:

"He was like a brother to me; we were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction. But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved. We were two young men who made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles with the same dream: to make our mark in the music industry -- and with perseverance, a deep love of music, our alliance with other great musicians and our manager, Irving Azoff, we built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed. But, Glenn was the one who started it all. He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn't quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven. He loved his wife and kids more than anything. We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow. We brought our two-year 'History of the Eagles Tour' to a triumphant close at the end of July and now he is gone. I'm not sure I believe in fate, but I know that crossing paths with Glenn Lewis Frey in 1970 changed my life forever, and it eventually had an impact on the lives of millions of other people all over the planet. It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it. But, I will be grateful, every day, that he was in my life. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some."

He was 67.