Jimmie Van Zant, cousin of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant and a musician in his own right, has died. “We know you’re lookin’ down on us from rock ‘n’ roll heaven, Jimmie,” Lynyrd Skynyrd posted on Facebook Thursday.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we inform you that Jimmie Van Zant has passed away today holding his wife’s hand. His very close friends, Steve & Sue Prindel were alongside Jimmie & Zohra, as Jimmie transitioned. We ask that you keep Jimmie, Zohra and all of his loved ones in your thoughts & prayers. We also ask that you respect their need for privacy in this very sad and difficult time. Thank you. God bless you and let the Freebird Fly!!!” a post on Jimmie Van Zant’s Facebok page read.

Van Zant died in hospice care after battling liver cancer for several years, The Daily Banner reported. The 59-year-old Van Zant had released three albums in his career, The Jimmie Van Zant Band (1996), Southern Comfort (2000) and Feels Like Freedom (2012).

That report continued: “Upon the release of Feels Like Freedom, he was the subject of a Billboard profile where he discussed the pros and cons of having the Van Zant name. “First of all, it’s my family, so I am very glad to be a part of it,” he said. “I’ve been asked many times whether doors open or close because of it. In my day-to-day, the Van Zant name carries weight no different than DuPont paint or Chevrolet or Ford.

“There’s a brand name, but there is to be expected quality, and we try to deliver that. It gets tough sometimes. I get messages on Facebook saying I’m riding off of coat tails, but it’s no different than if your dad had a restaurant or a car dealership. Before he passes on, he tells you to carry it on. Do you want to sell out? No, it’s priceless. That’s something you can’t buy.”

– AL.com