Songwriter Jim Weatherly has died at 77.
Jim died at his home in Tennessee on Wednesday, Music Row mogul Charlie Monk told the Tennessean.
His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
His brother Shan Weatherly also broke the news in a Facebook post on Wednesday night.
His niece Catherine also confirmed the news in a Facebook post, writing: "My 'Uncle Jimmy,' as I called him, has been called home to be with His Heavenly Father.
"Jimmy was undeniably so special in our family... He was a brother to my Mom, my Uncle Shan Weatherly, and my Aunt Sherrie Winter.
"He was also, I know, like a father figure to them."
Catherine continued: "We are grateful for Jim's love and his legacy will continue to live on.
"Please pray fervently for his wife, Cynthia Weatherly, and his children, Zack and Brighton, as well as our family."
Jim was best known for writing the track Midnight Train to Georgia for Gladys Knight and the Pips.
The 1973 song was a number one hit and won the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus.
It was also Number 438 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond, and Garth Brooks have all recorded their own versions of the song.
Jim recorded record over 12 albums of his own in 50 years.
His biggest solo hit was 1974's I'll Still Love You.
Jim's music was also used in TV shows and films, including Broadcast News, The Deer Hunter, Modern Family, Chicago Hope and Ally McBeal.
Music publisher and family friend Charlie Monk, known as the Mayor of Music Row, said of Jim's passing: "He never had a cigarette in his mouth, he never had a taste of alcohol, he didn't chew (tobacco), he didn't cuss.
"The only cuss word I ever heard him use was 'Foot! Charlie.'
"He probably was one of the top five most talented songwriters to ever drop into this town."
Jim's wife Cynthia, asked Monk to speak on behalf of the family.
His funeral has not yet been arranged.
