Legendary gospel worship leader Ron Kenoly dies at 81

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, a development confirmed by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, in a statement shared on Kenoly’s official Instagram account.

“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” Miranda announced.

In his final Instagram post on Sunday, February 1, Kenoly reflected on his decades-long ministry, expressing gratitude to individuals who supported his work across the globe. “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 gospel ministers and worshippers worldwide. Miranda described Kenoly as a mentor and spiritual father, stating, “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.”

He added that Kenoly consistently emphasised that he was not an entertainer but a worship leader. “A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ,” he said.

Nigerian Bishop Wale Oke also paid tribute, describing Kenoly as “a man of humility, a vessel of grace, and a true worshipper who gave his life to the glory of God.”

Ron Kenoly was widely known for worship songs such as Jesus Is Alive, Sing Out, and My God Is Able. His 1992 album Lift Him Up achieved Gold certification after selling over 500,000 copies. Until his death, he remained active in ministry, teaching at universities, mentoring worship leaders, and ministering globally.