JD Souther, the notable actor and singer-songwriter celebrated for his collaborations with The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, has passed away at the age of 78.

In a statement shared with Amarillo Globe-News by Souther’s family, it was announced: “JD Souther, a revered recording artist and inductee of the Songwriter Hall of Fame, died this weekend at his home in New Mexico. He was highly regarded by fellow artists and cherished by his family, including his sisters and brothers-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.”

John David “JD” Souther was born in Detroit and raised in Amarillo, Texas, according to his biography on his website. He pursued his passion for music at Amarillo College before relocating to Los Angeles.

Souther became one of the early friends of Eagles’ frontman Glenn Frey when they met in Los Angeles soon after both moved there in the mid-1960s, as per the Globe-News archives. Together, they formed a brief folk duo called Longbranch Pennywhistle. Souther also had a romantic relationship with Ronstadt, who took Souther’s recommendation to bring Frey and drummer Don Henley into her backup band. They performed with Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner, who ultimately became key members of The Eagles.

The influential country rock band was established in Los Angeles in 1971.

Earlier this year, Henley remarked that Souther played an “essential role” in writing notable Eagles songs such as “Best of My Love” and “New Kid in Town.” Souther frequently joined the Eagles on stage during their homecoming concert in Los Angeles earlier this year, taking lead vocals in “New Kid in Town,” a role previously held by the late Frey.

Other tracks that Souther co-wrote and featured on Eagles albums include “Heartache Tonight,” “Victim of Love,” “James Dean,” “Doolin-Dalton,” “The Sad Cafe,” “You Never Cry Like a Lover,” “Teenage Jail,” and “Last Good Time in Town.” He also wrote “How Long,” which the Eagles covered in 2007; the song was originally released by Souther as a solo artist in 1972. Additionally, he co-wrote Henley’s “The Heart of the Matter” along with several pieces for Henley’s solo work.

Souther was also part of Linda Ronstadt’s recordings, including “Prisoner in Disguise” and “Faithless Love,” and collaborated with various artists like James Taylor (“Her Town, Too”), the Dixie Chicks (“I’ll Take Care of You”), George Strait, and Bonnie Raitt.

In addition to his collaborations, Souther enjoyed a successful solo career, with his hit “You’re Only Lonely” reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. His discography includes albums such as “Tenderness,” “John David Souther,” “Black Rose,” and “Home By Dawn.”

On the acting front, he participated in independent films and appeared in TV shows such as “Thirtysomething,” “Postcards from the Edge,” and “Nashville.”

Souther began his career recording with a local group named The Cinders and would travel to nearby Norman Petty Studios located in Clovis, New Mexico, where Buddy Holly’s producer sought to promote their recordings for a single release under the name John David and The Cinders.

He released his self-titled debut album in 1972 and later formed The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band alongside Chris Hillman from The Byrds and Richie Furay from Poco.

As noted on his website, Souther was preparing to start a tour with Karla Bonoff on September 24 in Phoenix.

Souther is survived by his two sisters, his ex-wife and her daughter, his cherished dogs Layla and Bob, and a vast network of friends and colleagues in the music industry and beyond. The family’s statement ended with a mention of honoring him through donations to Best Friends Animal Society, an organization significant to him.

“We will miss his humor, storytelling, generosity, and boundless love for all of us,” the family expressed.

Contributing: Bryan Alexander