Legendary American gospel singer and songwriter Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81.
The renowned worship leader passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. His music director, Bruno Miranda, confirmed his death on the singer’s official Instagram account.
“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” Miranda wrote.
In his final Instagram post on Sunday, February 1, Kenoly reflected on his long ministry, expressing gratitude to those who supported his work over more than four decades.
“I am 81 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.
Tributes have since poured in from across the world in honour of the gospel icon.
In a heartfelt tribute, Bruno Miranda said, “For over 20 years, I had the honour 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.”
Miranda described Kenoly as someone who was deliberate about his calling, noting that he never saw himself as an entertainer but as a worship leader.
“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,” he said.
“Today we grieve deeply, but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds,” Miranda added.
Nigerian bishop Wale Oke also mourned Kenoly, describing him as “a man of humility, a vessel of grace, and a true worshipper who gave his life to the glory of God.”
“Though our hearts are heavy, we submit to the perfect will of God, taking comfort in the assurance that a life spent in faithful devotion is never in vain. His Spirit-filled songs, his legacy, and his impact will continue to speak across generations,” he said.
Several other gospel ministers, including Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, have also paid tribute to the late singer.
Who Was Ron Kenoly?
Ron Kenoly was a globally celebrated worship leader, best known for songs such as Jesus Is Alive, Sing Out, and My God Is Able.
His 1992 Integrity Hosanna Music album Lift Him Up was certified Gold after selling more than 500,000 copies.
Kenoly began singing at a Baptist church in his hometown of Coffeyville, Kansas. After graduating from high school, he joined the military. Upon leaving the military, he performed various genres of music, including secular songs, before committing fully 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 around the world, and ran a mentoring programme for pastors, musicians, worship leaders, choir directors, and others involved in church and parachurch music ministries.
Source: BBC
