Jim Ed Brown has died, aged 81.

The country music star - who released his first album, 'Alone With You' in 1966 - passed away yesterday (11.06.15) following a struggle with lung cancer.

Shortly after the news was announced, fellow musician Alan Jackson paid tribute to Jim during a show in Nashville where he played a snippet from his track 'Pop a Top' and said, ''We're gonna miss you, Jim Ed Brown. God bless you.''

The Grand Ole Opry member announced he had gone into remission earlier this year after being diagnosed with the disease last September, although on June 3 his daughter Kim revealed the disease had returned.

The country icon originally found fame in The Browns along with sisters Maxine and Bonnie whose singles 'Looking Back to See' and 'In Three Bells' were hits in the 1950s.

After splitting up in 1967, Jim continued to forge a successful career as a solo artist, also duetting with Helen Cornelius.

Jim - who released 22 studio albums during his career, including 'In Style Again' in January - was visited by his friend Bill Anderson last week where he was presented a medallion inducing him into the Hall of Fame, although the official ceremony will not take place until later this year.