Johnny Rodriguez dead: Country music star dies as family pay emotional tribute

star Johnny Rodriguez has died aged 73, with his family describing him as "irreplaceable". The singer was best known for his hit song Ridin' My Thumb To Mexico.

Sharing a statement on , Johnny's daughter Aubry revealed that he died at home on May 9. "It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Johnny Rodriguez, who left us peacefully on May 9th, surrounded by family," she said. "Dad was not only a legendary musician whose artistry touched millions around the , but also a deeply loved husband, father, uncle, and brother whose warmth, humour, and compassion shaped the lives of all who knew him.

"While the world has lost an extraordinary talent, we have lost someone irreplaceable - and we ask for privacy as we navigate this painful moment together."

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Fans and followers flooded the comments section with condolences and memories. One fan wrote, "Oh honey :( I'm so sorry. I love you and I'm praying! ! !" Another shared a personal memory, saying, "He was always very kind to me. He left a great legacy."

A third added, "I am so sad to hear this and so very sorry for your loss. I will always be a fan of his music. Praying for you and your family."

A devastated fan lamented: "The world lost a great one tonight. God Bless you all," while another offered their condolences: "Sorry for yours and your families loss. Johnny was a great man."

Johnny's illustrious career was marked by chart-toppers like 'Pass Me By', 'I'm Not Up to Feelin' Down Tonight', and 'You Always Come Back to Hurting Me', his first country number one hit.

Known for his distinctive fusion of Spanish lyrics with country melodies, the singer set a pioneering trend in the 1970s music scene.

Johnny broke out into the country music scene with his first single Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through) in 1973, before topping the American country music charts with songs You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me), Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico and That's the Way Love Goes.

His most recent musical endeavours include his 2012 album Live from Texas, while throughout his lifetime, he was honoured by presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush.

Two years after the release of his final single in 1998, the singer was charged with murder after shooting and killing a man in his Texas home who he believed to be a burglar. A year later, he was acquitted of murder by a jury.

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