My Heart Will Go On co-writer Will Jennings dead at 80 as friend calls him ‘a gentle spirit’ in sad tribute
SONGWRITER Will Jennings has died at the age of 80.
Will was known for co-writing hit songs including Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On and Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven.
Will’s publisher confirmed the news to Variety on Saturday morning.
His cause of death is unknown at this time, however, was dealing with an undisclosed illness for a while.
On Friday, musician Pete Wolf shared an emotional tribute to the beloved songwriter.
In the snap, Pete stood next to Will with his arm around him.
“‘A Lot of Good Ones Gone’ … A sad time, the passing of Will Jennings, a maestro, brilliant mind and a gentle spirit,” he wrote in the caption.
Pete continued, “Will shared his talents with me, ever patient and generous, he was a treasured friend and teacher, enriching my life in so many ways.
“It was an enormous honor to have worked with such a musical genius for so many years.”
‘A GREAT LYRICIST’
In the comment section, Pete’s followers expressed their condolences.
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” one wrote.
Another echoed, “So sad to hear.”
“Rest in Power Will,” a third stated.
A fourth said, “RIP to a legend.”
Someone else said, “A great lyricist, and he wrote some great songs with you.
A sad time, the passing of Will Jennings, a maestro, brilliant mind and a gentle spirit
Pete Wolf
“What a tremendous legacy to leave behind.”
WILL’S CAREER
Throughout his career, Will has won several prestigious awards.
Will scored his first Academy Award for Best Original Song for co-writing Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes’ Up Where We Belong from An Officer and a Gentleman (1982).
In 1997, Will took home another Oscar for Celine’s My Heart Will Go On featured in the hit film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, Titanic.
Will is also a six-time Grammy-nominated songwriter and has walked away with three – including Song of the Year for My Heart Will Go On.
In 1993, he won Song of the Year for Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven from the film Rush – which also scored him a Golden Globe award.
In the past, Will has also worked with Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Jimmy Buffet, Diana Ross, Tim McGraw, and more.