Hispanic country music trailblazer Johnny Rodriguez passes away

First-ever Hispanic country singer Johnny Rodriguez has passed away at the age of 73.

The late Mexican-American singer passed away after entering hospice care earlier in the week, per Saving Country Music.

Rodriguez's death was confirmed by his daughter Aubry Rodriguez on Friday.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Johnny Rodriguez, who left us peacefully on May 9th, surrounded by family,” Aubry wrote on Instagram.

“Dad was not only a legendary musician whose artistry touched millions around the world, but also a deeply loved husband, father, uncle, and brother whose warmth, humor, and compassion shaped the lives of all who knew him.”

She continued, “We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, colleagues, and friends during this time of grief.”

Aubry concluded her tribute by calling her father an “irreplaceable” and an “extraordinary talent,” and requested privacy for the family as they “navigate this painful moment together.”

Texas-born Rodriguez was discovered at the age of 18 by music promoter Happy Shahan after he was heard singing in a jail cell, where he was briefly held for a minor offense, according to a Ken Burns biography on PBS.org.

He initially performed under the name Johnny Rogers but after moving to Nashville at age 21, he changed his last name back to Rodriguez.

He then joined Tom T. Hall's band as a guitarist and later signed with Mercury Records.

He had six No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart: and was nominated for album of the year with Introducing Johnny Rodriguez at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

The Pass Me By hitmaker won an ACM Award for most promising male vocalist in 1973 and also bagged several nominations for single of the year that year, and top male vocalist and entertainer of the year the following year.

At the CMA Awards, Rodriguez was nominated for male vocalist of the year in 1973 and album of the year in 1994 as one of many artists on Asleep at the Wheel’s Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.

In 2007, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.