Award-winning composer Jerry Herman has died aged 88.
The gifted Broadway songwriter's death followed pulmonary complications.
He died in Miami where he had been a resident with his love Terry Marler whom he has left behind.
Jerry was best known for composing the scores of tracks in musicals Hello, Dolly! and La Cage aux Folles.
The composer was a musical genius who was the brainchild behind the workings of 10 Broadway musicals spanning his career.
His goddaughter Jane Dorian broke the sad news of his death and she shared the plans for a memorial service were underway.
She said: "His songs are always on our lips and in our hearts."
Jerry bagged two Tony awards for the best musical over the years.
First he won in 1965 for Hello, Dolly! and later in 1983 for La Cage aux Folles.
His musical achievements didn't stop there.
The musician bagged two Grammy awards as he got song of the year for Hello, Dolly! and an award for the cast album of Mame.
The musical genius made his Broadway debut in 1960 and had a long flourishing career.
Before his big Broadway break, he played piano in a jazz club after finishing his degree at the University of Miami.
His music was cherished for its optimism which made him stand out in a crowded field as musicians at his time were typically writing about darker times.
