Leo Dan, renowned Argentine artist and composer, has passed away at the age of 82. The news was shared across his social media accounts on Wednesday (Jan. 1). 

“This morning our beloved Leo Dan left his body in peace and with the love of his family,” read the official statement. “Thus, he returned to the pure light of his Heavenly Father, to guide us and take care of us from the infinite. Today, January 1, 2025, we invite all those who were part of his story and who were touched by his legacy, to celebrate his love, his music and his life. With much peace in our hearts, we remember and feel his deep love… forever.” 

The post, which shows a recent photo of the artist holding a microphone, is also accompanied by the hashtag #LeoDanForever (in Spanish) and bible verse John 11:25: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’”

The artist, born Leopoldo Dante Tevez, started his music career in 1963 and is known for timeless romantic hits such as “Cómo Te Extraño Mi Amor,” “Te He Prometido,” “Mary Es Mi Amor,” “Pídeme La Luna” and “Que Tiene La Niña.” Throughout his career, he’s charted across Billboard charts including Top Latin Albums and Billboard 200. In 2012, he received a Lifetime Achievement award by The Latin Recording Academy. 

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he presented a live album and the second part of Celebrando a Una Leyenda (Celebrating a Legend) in which he revamped 16 of his greatest hits of the ‘60s and ‘70s alongside colleagues such as Bronco, Carlos Rivera, Amanda Miguel, Natalia Jimenez and many more.

When asked what makes a musical legend, Leo Dan previously told Billboard: “Humility, faith in God, and knowing that all things will go well when he’s in your life.”