The former Impressions lead singer had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

His assistant confirmed his death toThe New York Times, sharing that Butler had been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease.

He said, “It [swept] through the hood.

American R&B, Soul, and Funk musician Jerry Butler (also known as the Iceman) co-hosts the Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s 13th annual Pioneer Award ceremony at the Manhattan Center, New York, New York, February 20, 2003

Jerry Butler.Credit:Jack Vartoogian/Getty

I have known Jerry Butler way back, since the Miracles and I first got started, around 1958.

Hes a great person, and I love him.

He held the position for over three decades, retiring in 2018.

American soul singer Jerry Butler performs with Betty Everett and The Impressions at the Apollo Theatre, New York City, circa 1965

Jerry Butler in 1965.Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

He published an autobiography,Only the Strong Survive: Memoirs of a Soul Survivor,in 2000.

Butler is survived by two sons, four grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

His wife of 60 years, Annette, died in 2019.

American music group, the Impressions, including Curtis Mayfield (1942 - 1999) (fore left) and Jerry Butler (fore right), 1983

The Impressions.Brownie Harris/Corbis via Getty