The music industry lost yet another shining star after Whitney Houston and Donna Summers, with Bee Gees singer and co-founder Robin Gibb passing away on May 20 at the age of 62. The musician, also father-of-three had been battling colon and liver cancer and had recently undergone intestinal surgery.

"The family of Robin Gibb, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery," a statement released by the family's spokesperson read adding, "The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."

Gibb has had a history of health problems stemming from a 2010 liver and colon cancer diagnosis. Though Gibb had recovered from his first bout with the disease, another tumor recently surfaced in conjunction with pneumonia, leaving him in a coma at a London hospital in mid-April. Gibb's wife Dwina and brother Barry stayed by his side, singing to the ailing star in an effort for him to regain consciousness.

Gibb did awaken from his coma in late April and was able to speak with his family members, though he was still reliant on an oxygen mask and intravenous feeding. "Robin's wife, Dwina and son, Robin-John, his son Spencer and daughter Melissa have been at his bedside every day, talking to him and playing his favorite music to him," Gibb's doctor had said back in April. "They have been tireless in their determination never to give up on him," the doctor added.

Robin formed The Bee Gees in the late 60's along with his brothers, Barry and Maurice (who died in 2003 due to complications from a twisted intestine). The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 with hits such as Stayin' Alive, How Deep Is Your Love and I Started A Joke.

Gibb and his twin brother Maurice were born on the Isle of Man to British parents on December 22, 1949, three years after their brother Barry. The trio started out as a child act encouraged by their father Hugh, a band leader, and their mother Barbara, a former singer, who is still alive.

The trio continued to perform when the family moved to Brisbane, Australia, in 1958.

They took the name Bee Gees, an abbreviation of Brothers Gibb, signed to the Australian label Festival Records and released a series of singles written by Barry while in their teenage years.

After finding worldwide success, Gibb admitted earlier this year, in one of his last interviews, that he felt his illness was "karma" for his fame. Pop stars across the world have paid homage to Gibb over twitter, Bryan Adams tweeted "Robin Gibb RIP, very sad to hear about yet another great singer dying too young," while Shane Filan of Westlife tweeted, "Just heard Robin Gibb has died...so sad...A musical legend! RIP."