Renowned American gospel singer and worship leader Dr. Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81, marking the end of a career that influenced Christian worship music across the world.
Kenoly’s death was confirmed on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, in a statement shared on the singer’s official Instagram page.
“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” the statement read.
No cause of death or location of death was disclosed in the announcement.
Following the news, prominent gospel ministers paid tribute to Kenoly.
Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey shared a message on Instagram, acknowledging Kenoly’s role in shaping his ministry and that of others.
“Thank you for inspiring generations of psalmists like me. I grew up on these songs, and today others are growing up on ours,” Bassey wrote.
Singer Frank Edwards also paid tribute, focusing on Kenoly’s global impact.
“Life well lived. Thank you for the music, thank you for the impact. Rest well, Dr. Ron Kenoly,” he said.
The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, released a statement titled “Farewell to a True Worshipper.” He offered condolences to the family and prayers for comfort.
“We commiserate with his beloved family—his wife, children, and grandchildren—and pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort and strengthen them at this critical time,” Oke stated.
Ronald Kenneth Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, United States. Before entering full-time Christian ministry, he was involved in R&B music and later served in the United States Air Force.
He began his worship leadership journey at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, where his ministry gained wider recognition. His partnership with Integrity Music in the 1980s and 1990s helped spread his music to churches across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Kenoly became widely known for praise and worship songs such as “All Honor,” “Anointing Fall on Me,” “Ancient of Days,” and “Jesus Is Alive.” His style, marked by choir-led praise and congregational participation, shaped modern worship practices in many churches.
Kenoly is survived by his wife, Tavita Kenoly, whom he met during his time in the Air Force. The couple was married for more than 42 years and had three sons — Samuel, Ronald, and Tony. He is also survived by grandchildren, according to family tributes.
As of the time of reporting, no funeral or memorial service details have been announced by the family or management.
