Tom Smothers, the one-half of the Smothers Brothers, has died at the age of 86, a statement confirmed.
The National Comedy Center released a heartbreaking announcement on behalf of Smothers' family and cited a message from Dick Smothers, who disclosed that his sibling was at home at the time of his death.
Tom Smothers Dead at 86
Dick Smothers said Tom Smothers' cause of death was related to cancer. He did not disclose what exact type of the dreaded illness Tom was diagnosed with or when they learned about it.
"Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner," Dick said. "I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage - the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed."
Tom's demise came after he and Dick announced last year their supposed 2023 tour. The family disclosed that a private memorial service would take place next year.
Meanwhile, his fans, friends and colleagues took to X to pay tribute to the member of the legendary comedy duo.
Music publicist and SiriusXM host Eric Alper said, "Tom Smothers, half of the legendary Smothers Brothers duo, has left us at 86. His humor and wit brought joy to generations and Mom always did like "him best."
"RIP Tom Smothers. Oddly enough, I always thought he was the younger one for many years. But that was the gimmick, I guess. Make that yo-yo flow in heaven..." another wrote.
Another wrote, "Tom Smothers has passed age 86. Thank you Yom , for great laughs and hours of excellent musical performances on your show."
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Tom Smothers' Legacy
Tom co-founded the Smothers Brothers and began appearing on TV shows in the 1960s. Instead of focusing on music alone, the duo notably mixed it with comedy and showed it off on their CBS show, "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour."
Their show, however, was eventually yanked due to their political statements and opposition to the Vietnam War.
The pair released a number of singles and albums through the years, including "Down in the Valley," "Fly Ezekiel," "Jenny Brown," "The Christmas Bunny," "Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," and "Sibling Revelry: The Best of the Smothers Brothers."
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