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Grammy-winning music legend Lee Allen Zeno died at the age of 71 on Sunday April, three months after announcing he was ending his treatment for leukemia. His friend and advocate John Williams, confirmed the news on Facebook, explaining star spent his final days at home, surrounded by family, caregivers, and a community that had been lifting him up in prayer and support. The star had confimed in February this year he was ending chemotherapy after fighting cancer throughout his music career.

"Mr. Lee, our friend, our earthly angel, and keeper of the pocket went home to his creator," Williams wrote. "He passed away peacefully, pain free, dignified and wrapped in loving grace. 3 months ago I asked Lee Allen, 'If anyone asks how I want to be remembered, please say the following about me': 'I JUST TRIED TO BE MY AUTHENTIC SELF.'"

Another friend Joseph Rosen gave further insight into the stars final hours. Sharing a picture of the pair together he penned: "Today at around 3pm central time the world lost a great man and I lost one of my dearest friends. Lee Allen Zeno has passed. His wife Mary called and as soon as I heard her voice, I knew.

"Lee had been fighting cancer for the third time and had decided to stop treatment and be at home. He passed peacefully in no pain with family and friends nearby. He was the sweetest, kindest, funniest and smartest human. Lee was the bassist with Buckwheat Zydeco and the Ils Sont Partis band for decades.

"He I bonded instantly when we met almost 40 years ago. We spent so many sweet times together. For almost a decade I would spend Thanksgivings with Lee and his wonderful family. I cherish those times. My deepest condolences to Mary, his family, friends and all that knew him. Lee Allen Zeno made me a better man. We are all better for having had him in our lives. Rest In Peace, Soul."

Lee began playing in his cousin's band, Clifton Zeno and the Hiphuggers at the age of just 7. He had extensive credits since the 1980s, featuring on at least 73 albums, singles, EPs and videos with artists such as Charlie Rich, Marcia Ball, Irma Thomas, Tracy Nelson, Kenny Neal, Bobby Rush, Boozoo Chavis and the Neville Brothers.

He was the bassist with Buckwheat Zydeco and the Ils Sont Partis band for decades. He won his secong Grammy earlier this year for his work playing bass on A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, which won the Best Regional Roots Album. In 2025, he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

Tributes flooded in for the star as friends and fans learnt the devastating news. Writing on Facebook one shared: "Just got the word my brother Lee Allen Zeno - Bass Player just gained his wings been all over the world together you definitely will be missed love you soul. R.I.H."

Another added: "A legend lost. Mr. Lee Allen Zeno was not only the greatest Louisiana bassist, but also a beautiful, kind human being. Like so many, I was fortunate enough to receive his daily affirmations via text, and had the pleasure of his friendship for decades. He played with some of the finest musicians in the world, and recently, and deservedly, was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Never seeking the limelight, he kept the rhythm going, and now he's doing it from above. RIP."

A third chimed in: "Heaven shines a bit brighter tonight as my friend Lee Allen Zeno - Bass Player has changed addresses... There will never be another bassist to fill your shoes....I will always hold close to my heart your final words to me....'Your kindness will never be obliterated.' I love you Lee Lee, forever."

Meanwhile a fourth ;amented: "We're gonna truly miss this incredibly talented gentleman Lee Allen Zeno.. he is finally pain free after his battles with cancer over the years.. thank God he has left us with a wonderful legacy of music after playing with the very best around the country and the world over the many years of his terrific career.. Mary and I send our sincere love, condolences and prayers to his family and many friends and fans.. RIP my dear friend and thank you for the incredible memories!"