Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies at 80

• Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died, aged 80.
• His death comes weeks after withdrawing from an upcoming US tour for health reasons.
• Watts was a member of the Rolling Stones for nearly 60 years.
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Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died, his publicist said in a statement published on the band's Twitter.

Watts – who joined the legendary rock band in 1963 before it rose to international fame – was 80 years old.

"He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family," the publicist said on Tuesday. "We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time."

The statement called Watts "one of the greatest drummers of his generation."

Watts announced in early August that he was dropping out of the Stones' upcoming US tour after undergoing an undisclosed medical procedure.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.