Ronnie James Dio Has Died of Stomach Cancer in Houston

Black Sabbath frontman Ronnie James Dio, 67, died today in a Houston Hospital. Earlier reports of his death were downplayed as a hoax. However, at around 1:30 Central, his widow, Wendy Dio, posted the following statement on Dio's official website:

"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away."

As reported earlier today, rumors had been circulating around the Internet that Dio had died. His wife reported that although the musician was not doing well, he was not dead.

Ronnie James Dio was born Ronald James Padavona on July 10, 1942. The surname Dio actually came from mobster Johnny Dio. His career in music began in 1957 when he was a member of the band Ronnie and the Rumblers before changing their name to Ronnie Dio and the Prophets. They disbanded in 1967.

In 1979, Dio joined Black Sabbath, replacing Ozzy Osbourne. It was during that same time that he popularized the "devil's horns" - what rocker doesn't do that? Rock on!

Black Sabbath released their album Heaven and Hell in 1980 with Dio at the helm. Who could forget songs like Neon Knights, Heaven and Hell, or Lonely is the Word? Dio owned those songs.

Ronnie Dio left Black Sabbath in 1982 following a dispute. Along with fellow Black Sabbath bandmate, Vinny Apice, he formed Dio, one of the most popular heavy metal bands of the '80s. He reunited with Black Sabbath in the '90s, releasing Dehumanizer.

Black Sabbath (as Heaven and Hell), along with Dio, released The Devil You Know in 2009. Later that year, Black Sabbath canceled their European tour when Ronnie James Dio was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

In her statement on Dio's website, Wendy Dio said, "Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support you have all given us...Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

That it will.

According to Blabbermouth.net, members of Twisted Sister released the following statement, "The members of TWISTED SISTER, along with millions of metal fans around the world, mourn the death of our friend Ronnie James Dio. Ronnie not only was a giant in the worldwide metal scene, but he was also one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet."

They added, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy and Ronnie's family."

Former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne simply tweeted from his Twitter account, "Rest in Peace Ronnie".

Ronnie James Dio gave the world an amazing gift that will last an eternity. Fan's today will forever remember that amazing voice. He was indeed the 'Metal God'.

Sources:
Personal Experience - Dio Fan since 1982
Dio/RonnieJamesDio.com - Official Site of Ronnie James Dio
BLABBERMOUTH.NET - TWISTED SISTER: DIO Was 'One Of The Nicest People You Would Ever Want To Meet'
Twitter, Official Ozzy