Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Chris LeDoux. The singer/songwriter, rodeo champion and acclaimed sculptor passed away yesterday morning at the age of 56 in Casper, Wyoming, after a long battle with cancer. Earlier this week, Chris had checked into the Casper Medical Center following complications from ongoing treatment for cancer of the bile duct, and was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his death.

LeDoux's love of music was as strong as his love of the rodeo lifestyle and he combined both passions, recording 22 albums on his own. When Capitol artist Garth Brooks mentioned his name in the song "Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)," the exposure led to Chris' own deal with Capitol, resulting in six million records sold.

In 2000, Chris was diagnosed with a liver disease, and successfully underwent a liver transplant. Within six months of the surgery, LeDoux was on tour again. Last year he was diagnosed with cancer and began undergoing radiation treatment.

"All of us at Capitol Records and EMI Music are saddened at the passing of Chris," said Capitol Nashville President and CEO Mike Dungan. "In a world of egos and soundalikes, he was a unique artist and a wonderful man. We have always been proud to represent his music, and honored to call him our friend. Our thoughts go out to his wife Peggy and the LeDoux family."