Johnny Tillotson iconic 'Poetry in Motion' singer dies at 86

Singer-songwriter Johnny Tillotson, best known for his 1960s hit Poetry in Motion, has sadly passed away at the age of 86.

The news was made public a day after his passing by his wife, Nancy Tillotson, who, in a heartfelt social media post on Wednesday, April 2, revealed that he died following a battle with Parkinsonism. .

PEOPLE put up Nany's statement that read, "It is with a broken heart that I write to let you know that the sweetest, kindest man I ever met, Johnny Tillotson, left earth for Heaven yesterday. He was my best beloved, Champion of my realm, Knight of my heart."

She continued, "Someone said, that sometimes right in the middle of an ordinary life you get a fairy tale. The day I met him I got mine. He was funny, generous and kind. A gentleman through and through. He loved and was grateful to his fans, as he once said, they made every dream I ever had come true. Once again on his behalf I say thank you for that."

In her note, Nancy reflected on their life together, and paid tribute to his remarkable career, calling his achievements a "testament to his undeniable talent." Tillotson was known for a string of hits, including Talk Back Trembling Lips, You Can Never Stop Me Loving You, and It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin’, which was later covered by music legends like Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, and Elvis Presley. He earned two Grammy nominations—one for Best Country and Western Recording in 1962 and another for Best Contemporary (R&R) Vocal Performance in 1966.

Tillotson is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy; his son, John, and grandchildren.

Nancy concluded her heartfelt tribute saying, that he will be missed every day for the rest of her life. "He was simply the best. With all the love I have in my heart for a wonderful man gone too soon from this world," she wrote.

News of Tillotson's passing comes just days after the release of 'Everything I Touch Turns to Blue', leaving behind one final musical gift to his fans.