Andrew Dorff dead: Blake Shelton and Kenny Chesney songwriter passes away aged 40
COUNTRY songwriter Andrew Dorff - who has penned number one hits for the likes of Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney and Hunter Hayes - has died at the age of 40.
Andrew Dorff has passed away aged 40
It was confirmed that the musician brother of actor Stephen Dorff had passed away earlier today, but the cause of death and other details remain unknown at this time.
NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) President Lee Thomas Miller said in a statement: “It is with immeasurable grief that we learn of the passing of our friend Andrew Dorff.
"Our songwriting community is small and close and this loss will hurt us all deeply. Andrew was a good man and a good friend. He was an elite songwriter at the peak of his life and career."
Andrew wrote hit songs for the likes of Blake Shelton and Kenny Chesney
Hunter Hayes paid tribute to the musician on Twitter
"Our sincerest prayers go out to his family. May we all hug each other a little tighter this week and remember that life is fragile. Rest in peace Andrew," he continued.
The tragic news comes after Andrew said in a recent interview that he wanted to carry on writing music because the tracks have such an incredible effect on people.
He explained: "I want to keep writing songs that matter. There's not quite a greater feeling than having a song of yours come on the radio. You can't help it, you just turn it up a little louder."
Andrew with his brother Stephen Dorff
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"Having people tell you they heard your song on the radio and it affected them in some way, whether it's laughing, crying, dancing – that's why I do what I do," he added in a Music Row profile.
Tributes have been pouring in for the star since the news emerged online, with Blake Shelton posting: "Sad to be finding out about Andrew Dorff passing away... Terrible tragedy. Prayers to his family."
Hunter Hayes also shared a photograph of the pair, alongside the caption: "A prolific writer w/ a huge heart. Music lost 1 of its greatest. So devastating. Rest in peace Andrew. The music you gave will live forever."