JEREMY Clarkson has lead tributes to a Top Gear theme tune legend after he died aged 80.
The Allman Brothers Band singer and guitarist Dickey Betts passed away, his family sadly announced on Thursday.
The musician was the vocalist and songwriter of the track Jessica - which was used as the theme tune for the popular BBC series.
Beloved host Jeremy Clarkson penned a touching tribute on X, which read: "Dicky Betts has died. You probably haven't heard of him. But he wrote a song called Jessica. And you will DEFINITELY have heard that."
It comes after the music icon's family shared their statement: "It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts (December 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024) at the age of 80 years old,” the family told Rolling Stone.
“The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader, and family patriarch was at his home in Osprey, Florida, surrounded by his family,"
"Dickey was larger-than-life, and his loss will be felt worldwide," the statement continued.
"At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days."
"More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time," the statement ended.
David Spero, Dickey's manager of about 20 years, also confirmed the tragic news to the Associated Press.
He shared how Dickey had been battling cancer for more than a year and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
David said: "He was surrounded by his whole family and he passed peacefully.
"They didn't think he was in any pain.
"He'd had cancer for over a year. And he's gone."
In April 2020, Dickey opened up about fame and moving on from the limelight since his retirement.
Dickey retired after suffering a mild stroke in August 2018.
“I haven’t been on the road in a while because of my health but I like the crowds mainly, and what the music did for them,” he shared.
“They got more out of the music than I did, I think. I work real hard to make music, they just came to enjoy it, y’know?"
"Not to say I didn’t enjoy playing on stage, but I just really get a kick out of the audience and how they could just kind of drift away to another world in a concert," Dickey went on.
Here is information you need to know about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:
COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus, and wheezing
COPD is caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or from cigarette smoke.
People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease and lung cancer.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that contribute to COPD.
Treatment for COPD involves self-care and bronchodilators
Rescue inhalers, inhaled or oral steroids, help control symptoms and minimize further damage.
"And it was really nice to see that. I guess that’s the main thing, crowds and their enthusiasm and their enjoyment of it."
Founded in 1969, The Allman Brothers Band was a pioneering biracial group from the Deep South.
Founder members Duane Allman and Berry Oakley died in a motorcycle crash.
In the aftermath, Dickie and Allman's younger brother, Gregg, became the band's leaders.
Dickey and Gregg were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
The jam band went their separate ways in 2000.
