American rock legend David Crosby has died aged 81 following a long illness, his wife Jan Dance announced on Friday.

Crosby, one of the most influential rock singers of the 1960s and ’70s, was a founding member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (later becoming Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young).

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford told 6PR Breakfast the singer, songwriter and guitarist kept going until the end.

“His wife had said he had been suffering from illness for quite some time, although interestingly only 7 weeks ago he brought out a new album,” Mr Ford said.

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Peter Ford also discussed;

• Alec Baldwin to be charged with involuntary manslaughter
• Police investigating Michael and Jade incident

Getty Images: Scott Dudelson / Contributor