His death was officially confirmed by his Music Director, Bruno Miranda, via a statement shared on the singer’s verified Instagram account.
Dr. Ron Kenoly, the world-renowned American worship leader, singer, and songwriter, has died.
He was 81.
The legendary musician, whose high-octane praise and soulful worship songs defined a generation of gospel music, passed away on Tuesday morning, February 3, 2026.
His death was officially confirmed by his Music Director, Bruno Miranda, via a statement shared on the singer’s verified Instagram account.
"This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly," Miranda stated.
“For over 20 years, I had the honor of walking alongside him in ministry around the world, not just as his music director, but as a son, a student, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness.
“Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader.
“And he took all the time necessary to explain what that truly meant. A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of a King; the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.”
Miranda said Kenoly “taught me that a worship leader is not merely a song leader, but a servant who connects with people whose hearts are open to worship, guiding them to “enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4, ESV)”.
“Worship, he would say, is always rooted in gratitude for what Christ has done for us, and never in anticipation of what we want Him to do,” he said.
“Off the stage, Doc carried the same integrity, humility, and reverence for God that the world saw under the lights. He taught me that worship begins long before the first note is played, shaped by obedience, character, and a deep fear of the Lord. Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.”
“Until we meet again, my pastor, my mentor, my friend,” he added.
While the specific cause of death has not been disclosed by the family or his management, the news has sent shockwaves through the global Christian community, particularly in Nigeria, where Kenoly enjoyed a massive following and was a frequent guest at major gospel concerts like 'The Experience'.
Born in 1944, Kenoly rose to international prominence in the early 1990s following the release of his breakthrough albums under Integrity Music, including Jesus Is Alive and Lift Him Up.
His hit tracks, such as "Ancient of Days," "Be Glorified," and "Sing Out," became anthems in churches worldwide, bridging the gap between traditional hymns and contemporary gospel music.
Known for his impeccable showmanship and deep theological lyrics, Kenoly was more than a performer; he was a mentor to thousands of worship leaders across the globe.
Tributes have begun pouring in from fellow artists and religious leaders who credit Kenoly with revolutionizing the "Praise and Worship" genre.
Funeral arrangements and official memorial details are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.