D’Wayne Wiggins, a Grammy winning artist and founding member of R&B group Tony! Toni! Tone!, died Friday morning according to the Los Angeles Times.

Wiggins was 64 and privately battled bladder cancer for a year his family said in a statement shared on the group’s Instagram page.

“With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones,” the statement read. “Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community.”

Prior to the announcement of his passing, Wiggins’ family disclosed on Wednesday that the musician was, “experiencing medical complications.”

Wiggins was born in Oakland, California in 1961 and as a child he took inspiration from the soul and gospel music that surrounded him.

Wiggins created Tony! Toni! Tone! in the late 1980s alongside his brother, Raphael Saddiq, and cousin, Christian Riley. The trio saw success into the mid-1990s, releasing four studio albums and several successful singles including “Anniversary” and “Feels Good”.

The group was set to perform later this month on March 22 at Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, California but had to cancel the event due to “illness.”

According to Wiggins’ family, he was a multi-talented person who cared deeply about lifting up younger artists.

“He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.”

Wiggins served as a mentor or worked with several R&B acts at the beginning of their careers including Destiny’s Child, Keyshia Cole, Alicia Keys and Jamie Foxx.

His family has asked for continued privacy as they mourn his passing.

“For now, we ask that you continue to respect our privacy,” Wiggins’ family said. “We mourn with you, and are deeply grateful for your love and support.”