Gospel legend Ron Kenoly dies at 81

Ron Kenoly, the American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter, has passed away at the age of 81.

Bruno Miranda, Kenoly’s music director, broke the news in a statement released via the singer’s Instagram page.

The statement revealed that the worship leader died on February 3, but did not specify the cause of death.

Miranda, who worked alongside Kenoly for more than two decades, described him not only as a mentor but as a spiritual father. He emphasised that Kenoly was deeply intentional about his vocation.

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

“For over 20 years, I had the honor 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.

“Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader. And he took all the time necessary to explain what that truly meant.”

The statement elaborated on Kenoly’s philosophy of worship, noting that he saw his role as guiding people into genuine reverence.

“A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of a King; the King of Kings, Jesus Christ,” it added.

“He taught me that a worship leader is not merely a song leader, but a servant who connects with people whose hearts are open to worship, guiding them to “enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4, ESV). Worship, he would say, is always rooted in gratitude for what Christ has done for us, and never in anticipation of what we want Him to do.

“Off the stage, Doc carried the same integrity, humility, and reverence for God that the world saw under the lights. He taught me that worship begins long before the first note is played, shaped by obedience, character, and a deep fear of the Lord.

“Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.

“Until we meet again, my pastor, my mentor, my friend.”