United Kingdom, April 19 -- Don Schlitz, the influential country songwriter behind The Gambler, has died at the age of 73 after a sudden illness.

Raised in Durham, North Carolina, the musician passed away on Thursday (16.04.26) at a Nashville hospital, according to the Grand Ole Opry, with news of his death emerging on Sunday. (19.04.26)

The cause of his death is not yet known.

Over a career that helped shape the sound of modern country music, Don wrote hits for artists including Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis and The Judds, and was later inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Sarah Trahern, chief executive of the Country Music Association, said: "We are heartbroken by the news of th...