Tributes have continued to flow across the global Christian community following the death of Dr Ron Kenoly, the world-renowned American worship leader, singer and songwriter, who died at the age of 81.
Kenoly, whose energetic praise sessions and deeply spiritual worship songs shaped a generation of gospel music, passed away on the morning of February 3, 2026.
His death was confirmed by his long-time music director, Bruno Miranda, in a statement shared on the singer’s verified Instagram account.
“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr Ron Kenoly,” Miranda wrote.
“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.
“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 added that Kenoly consistently emphasised that worship was rooted in gratitude for what Christ has done, not in anticipation of what worshippers hoped to receive.
“He 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),” 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.”
While the specific cause of death has not been made public by the family or his management, the news reverberated strongly in Nigeria, where Kenoly enjoyed a massive following and was a regular guest at major gospel gatherings such as The Experience in Lagos.
Born in 1944, Kenoly rose to international prominence in the early 1990s through his work with Integrity Music, releasing widely celebrated albums such as Jesus Is Alive and Lift Him Up.
Songs like Ancient of Days, Be Glorified and Sing Out became staples in churches across continents, helping to bridge the gap between traditional hymns and contemporary praise and worship music.
Beyond his music, Kenoly was widely regarded as a mentor to thousands of worship leaders around the world, known for combining vibrant stage presence with strong theological depth.
As tributes continue from gospel artists, pastors and worship leaders, many have credited him with helping to define and popularise the modern “praise and worship” movement that reshaped church music over the past three decades.