Friends and fans of Glenn Frey have been paying tribute to The Eagles’ guitarist and songwriter, who passed away on Monday aged 67. Frey founded The Eagles in 1971 along with Don Henley, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner and was responsible for co-writing the band’s biggest hit ‘Hotel California’.

Glenn FreyGlenn Frey, a founding member of The Eagles passed away on Monday, aged 67.

Frey’s death was announced in a statement, posted to the band’s Facebook page on Monday. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our comrade, Eagles founder, Glenn Frey, in New York City on Monday, January 18th, 2016,” the band wrote.

“Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia.The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery.”

“Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community millions of fans worldwide.” Following the news of his death, stars from the music world and beyond shared their tributes on social media.

Actor Steve Martin tweeted: 'Shocker. My friend from the early days, and important member of Eagles, has died. We loved you, Glenn Frey.’ Sheryl Crowe added, ‘Glenn Frey you will be sorely missed thank you for all you gave us.’

More: View our Glenn Frey gallery

Writer and director Judd Apatow also paid tribute to Frey on twitter writing: ‘So sad about Glenn Frey. I used to listen to his solo record No Fun Aloud as a kid and it made me so happy.’

On Facebook, Frey’s bandmate Don Henley shared an emotional tribute which read: “He was like a brother to me; we were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction. But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved.”

“We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow. We brought our two-year “History of the Eagles Tour” to a triumphant close at the end of July and now he is gone. I’m not sure I believe in fate, but I know that crossing paths with Glenn Lewis Frey in 1970 changed my life forever, and it eventually had an impact on the lives of millions of other people all over the planet.”

“It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it,” Henley added. “But, I will be grateful, every day, that he was in my life. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some.”