Johnny Tillotson, ‘Poetry in Motion’ Singer, Dies at 86

Johnny Tillotson, the singer behind the 1960s hit “Poetry in Motion,” has died at 86.

Tillotson’s wife, Nancy, confirmed the news of his death in a lengthy social media post, one day after he died on Tuesday, April 1. He died following a Parkinsonism diagnosis, Nancy confirmed to PEOPLE.

“It is with a broken heart that I write to let you know that the sweetest, kindest man I ever met Johnny Tillotson, left earth for Heaven yesterday. He was my best beloved, Champion of my realm, Knight of my heart,” Nancy wrote.

“Someone said, that sometimes right in the middle of an ordinary life you get a fairy tale. The day I met him I got mine. He was funny, generous and kind,” she continued. “A gentleman through and through. He loved and was grateful to his fans, as he once said, they made every dream I ever had come true. Once again on his behalf I say thank you for that.”

In the Facebook post, Nancy then went on to highlight his career milestones, which she said were a “testament to his undeniable talent.”

“He is survived by his wife Nancy of 45 years, his son John and his wife, his step daughter Genevieve and his grandchildren, Nia, Jackson, Georgia and Gwyneth, his brother Dan and sister in law Virginia and various nieces and nephews,” the post read.

She concluded the post by writing that he will “be missed every single day for the rest of my life. He was simply the best.”

“With all the love I have in my heart for a wonderful man gone too soon from this world,” she wrote.

Tillotson was born in Jacksonville, Fla., and began to perform at local functions and on the radio at an early age. He went on to study at the University of Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Communications in 1959. During his time at the university, he began writing music and a local DJ submitted a tape of his singing to the National Pet Milk Talent Contest.

The contest proved to be his biggest break when a Nashville music publisher introduced him to Archie Blyer, the owner of Cadence Records, according to a biography on his website. He ended up getting a record deal.

Tillotson was best known for his song “Poetry in Motion,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The singer-songwriter also gained wide recognition for his songs “Talk Back Trembling Lips,” “You Can Never Stop Me Loving You” and “It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin,” which was covered by greats like Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Elvis Presley.

He also received two Grammy nominations, one for best country and western recording for “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'” in 1962, and another for best contemporary (R&R) vocal performance for “Heartaches By The Number” in 1966.

Days before his death, Tillotson released “Everything I Touch Turns to Blue.”