Dickey Betts, Allman Brothers Band member, dies in Osprey, Florida at 80: report

Dickey Betts, the singer and guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band, died Thursday at the age of 80

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Dickey Betts, the singer and guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band, died Thursday at the age of 80, according to the Rolling Stone.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts (December 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024) at the age of 80 years old,” Betts’ family announced in a statement to Rolling Stone.

“The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader, and family patriarch was at his home in Osprey, Florida, surrounded by his family. Dickey was larger-than-life, and his loss will be felt worldwide. At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days. More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time.”

Betts, a Florida native born in West Palm Beach, joined the newly formed Allman Brothers Band in 1969 and became the bands de facto lead guitarist and frontman following the death of Duane Allman in 1971.

The band would break up and regroup multiple times throughout the late 70's and the 80's, leading to a career rebirth in the 90's before Betts parted ways with the Allmans one last time in 2000.

Betts tried kickstarting his own career throughout the 2000's before finally retiring in 2014. Betts would briefly return to the road in 2018, performing with his son before he suffered a mild stroke in August of that year.