Charlie Watts, who died at the age of 80 today, leaves behind his wife of 57 years Shirley Ann Shepherd, who he remained devoted to throughout their marriage.
The Rolling Stones drummer married Shirley, a sculpture student at the Royal College of Art, in 1964 before finding fame with one of the biggest bands in the history.
The musician put the secret to his marriage's longevity down to the fact that he's "not really a rock star".
Charlie said he was not tempted by the trappings of fame his bandmates enjoyed in the 60s and beyond.
Unlike bohemian showmen Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Charlie preferred to stay out of the limelight.
“I don’t have all the trappings of that," he explained.
"I do have four vintage cars and can’t drive the bloody things. I’ve never been interested in doing interviews or being seen," he said in a rare chat with the NME.
And while his bandmates were pursued by supermodels and groupies throughout their career, Charlie never strayed from his beloved Shirley.
The pair were married until the legend's death on August 24, 2021.
They lived in West Devon where they owned an Arabian horse stud farm.
Charlie also sadly leaves behind the couple's daughter Seraphina, born in 1968, and granddaughter Charlotte, born in 1996.
The gifted drummer was not your typical rock star.
Ever faithful to his wife Shirley, Charlie was said to have consistently turned down a number of female fans on the road - of which there were plenty.
In Robert Greenfield's STP: A Journey Through America with The Rolling Stones, which documented the group's 1972 American Tour, the band were said to have been invited to the Playboy Mansion.
Charlie, however was reportedly more interested in Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner's game room than getting it on with groupies.
"I've never filled the stereotype of the rock star," he said. "Back in the '70s, Bill Wyman and I decided to grow beards, and the effort left us exhausted."
Charlie's publicist Bernard Doherty released a statement on Tuesday, confirming the news that the music legend had passed away.
"It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family,” it began.
"Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation.
"We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
A host of stars have paid their condolences to the veteran rocker, including Elton John.
“A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer.
"The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones,” the Candle in The Wind singer wrote.
