Renowned gospel singer Ron Kenoly passes away aged 81

Legendary American gospel singer and songwriter Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81.

The revered worship leader passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as confirmed in an Instagram post by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, shared on Kenoly's official page.

“This morning, February 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr Ron Kenoly,” Miranda wrote, adding that Kenoly never viewed himself as an entertainer.

“He would always say he was not an artist, not a performer, he was a worship leader. A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Today, we grieve deeply, but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds,” he added.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the globe, celebrating the life and legacy of the gospel icon.

Prominent Nigerian cleric Bishop Wale Oke mourned Kenoly as “a man of humility, a vessel of grace, and a true worshipper who dedicated his life to the glory of God.”

“Though our hearts are heavy, we submit to the perfect will of God,” Oke said. “A life spent in faithful devotion is never in vain. His Spirit-filled songs, legacy, and impact will continue to speak across generations.”

Several gospel ministers, including Nathaniel Bassey and Dunsin Oyekan, have also paid tribute to the late worship leader.

Just days before his death, Kenoly shared what would become his final Instagram post on Sunday, February 1, reflecting on his decades-long ministry.

“I am 81 years old and in my 48th year of ministry. These are some of those who helped me reach over 123 nations around the world over the past 20 years,” he wrote.

Kenoly was widely known for iconic worship songs such as Jesus Is Alive, Sing Out, and My God Is Able. His 1992 Integrity Hosanna Music album, Lift Him Up, achieved Gold certification, selling more than 500,000 copies.

Born in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly began singing at a Baptist church in his hometown. After graduating from high school, he joined the military. Upon leaving the service, he explored several music genres, including secular music, before fully committing to worship ministry in 1985.

Until his death, Kenoly remained active in ministry.

He served on the faculty of two universities in the United States, travelled extensively to minister worldwide, and ran a mentoring programme for pastors, musicians, worship leaders, choir directors, and others involved in church and parachurch music ministry.