Rod Stewart was flooded with support as he announced the heartbreaking death of his friend, Clive Davis. It was announced on Monday (June 22) that the music executive had passed away at the age of 94. In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, Davis's longtime representative Aliza Rabinoff stated that he "passed away peacefully from age-related illness surrounded by his family and loved ones" in New York.

Stewart, 81, took to Instagram to share a photograph of himself and Davis proudly holding a plaque celebrating his album The Great American Songbook, Volume II. In the caption, he penned: "Lost for words! A day I’ve been dreading! A giant of a man in the music business. I owe Clive so much.

"The force behind J Records, he was the only one who believed a rock singer could sing the standards with conviction. Other labels rejected the idea, and so The Great American Songbook was born, selling close to 40 million copies."

The Maggie May crooner added: "We had some wonderful, unforgettable times together, but for now, Mr. Davis, it’s goodbye, my dear friend."

Fans quickly flooded the comments section with messages of support, with one writing: "What sad news! My deepest condolences! Rest in peace Mr. Davis Clive, you were and always will be memorable! May God comfort your family, relatives and friends."

Another penned: " Noooo he was so lovely!! Thinking of you boss so sad."

A third echoed: "He is a huge loss to the industry! Prayers for you, & all of his loved ones!"

Davis set up his own music label, J, in 2000 and it went on to become the home of Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Alicia Keys and Kesha, Maroon 5 and Leona Lewis.

J was widely credited with reinvigorating Stewart's career by encouraging him to record albums of Great American Songbook standards.

During a 2014 interview with the Daily Express, Davis reflected on his legacy after 40 years in the music business. "Of all the artists I've worked with, Whitney was one of the best – and I've been very fortunate in that respect. My years with Aretha Franklin have been very special, as were the years making records with Dionne Warwick," he said.

"Other highlights include working with Janis Joplin, who was the first artist I ever signed, as well as Patti Smith and Alicia Keys. I also love the fact that Barry Manilow – who has never been the darling of the critics – has outlasted all the criticism."