Renowned American gospel minister and worship leader Ron Kenoly has passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that shaped modern Christian worship across the world.
His death was announced by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, in an emotional statement shared on Kenoly’s Instagram page. According to the statement, the gospel legend died on February 3, 2026. No cause of death was disclosed.
Miranda, who worked closely with Kenoly for more than two decades, described the singer not just as a mentor, but as a spiritual father whose life was defined by humility, discipline and devotion to God.
“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” Miranda wrote. “For over 20 years, I had the honour of walking alongside him in ministry around the world and not just as his music director, but as a son, a student, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness.”
He recalled that Kenoly was deeply intentional about how he approached ministry, often reminding those around him that he was never an entertainer.
“Doc was very clear about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader,” Miranda said. “He took time to explain what that truly meant.”
According to him, Kenoly believed worship was not about performance, but about guiding people into sincere reverence before God.
“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 noted, adding that Kenoly taught him that worship must always be rooted in gratitude, not personal desire.
Miranda also highlighted the integrity with which Kenoly lived away from the spotlight.
“Off the stage, Doc carried the same 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,” he wrote.
“Today we grieve deeply, but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.”
Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly moved to Hollywood after high school and later served in the United States Air Force between 1965 and 1968. During his military years, he performed with a band known as the Mellow Fellows, touring military bases.
After leaving the Air Force, he returned to Los Angeles to pursue full-time music ministry, a decision that would eventually make him one of the most influential figures in contemporary Christian worship.
His career reached a major milestone in 1992 when Lift Him Up became the fastest-selling worship album at the time. Over the years, he released several acclaimed projects, including Jesus Is Alive, Ancient of Days, God Is Able, Sing Out With One Voice, and Welcome Home.
Kenoly’s impact extended far beyond the United States. He visited Nigeria several times and developed a strong connection with the country. In 2016, he ministered in Jos, Plateau State, during a music and miracle programme, where he affectionately adopted the Nigerian name “Chukuemeka.”
In his personal life, Kenoly was married for 42 years to his first wife, Tavita, whom he met during his Air Force service. The couple had three sons — Samuel, Ronald, and Tony.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the world, Ron Kenoly is being remembered not just for his music, but for a life lived in worship, service and unwavering faith.
