Jack Jones, the Grammy-winning singer known for "Wives and Lovers," has passed away at the age of 86.

Washington, October 25 – Singer Jack Jones, renowned for his smooth, velvety voice and hits like "Wives and Lovers" and the theme song for "The Love Boat," passed away at the age of 86. His widow, Eleonora Jones, confirmed that he died on Wednesday, October 23, at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California, after a two-year battle with leukemia, according to Billboard.

Singer Nancy Sinatra expressed her sorrow over the loss of her "longtime buddy" in a heartfelt post on Instagram. She reminisced about their time together in high school, stating, "Jonesey was an 18-year-old senior, and I was a lowly freshman. He has left the earth, and I'm so sad. His beautiful voice will linger as long as people need to listen to good music. Happy trails and following seas, dear treasured friend."

Jones’ passing signifies the loss of one of the last great crooners from the easy-listening genre, which thrived before being eclipsed by rock music in the late 1960s and 1970s. Just seven months earlier, fellow singer Steve Lawrence, who had a similar style, also passed away at the age of 88.

The traditional pop sound that once dominated the charts has seen a resurgence in recent years, with artists like Michael Bublé leading the way. Jones enjoyed considerable success on the Billboard charts, achieving three No. 1 hits on the Easy Listening chart: "The Race Is On" (1965), "The Impossible Dream (The Quest)" (1966), and "Lady" (1967). His rendition of "The Impossible Dream" earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Performance, Male, and became a staple on TV variety shows.

In the early 1960s, Jones won two Grammys for "Lollipops and Roses" and "Wives and Lovers," both highlighting his extraordinary vocal talent. Although "Wives and Lovers," which peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1964, has faced criticism for its outdated views on gender roles, Jones humorously adapted the lyrics during performances to address the backlash. He reflected on the song's significance, saying, "It made my career, and I'm grateful for that."

Beyond his music career, Jones' voice became emblematic of the easy-listening vibe of the 1960s, frequently featured in films and on television. His songs were included in the soundtracks of iconic movies like "Good Morning, Vietnam" and "Goodfellas." Additionally, he sang the title tracks for several films and made notable appearances at award shows, including a performance at the 1965 Oscars.

Most famously, he provided the theme song for "The Love Boat" during its first eight seasons, a melody that remains a nostalgic favorite. His rendition made it onto Billboard's adult contemporary chart in 1980, alongside other hits like "Let Me Be the One" and "What I Did for Love."

Born John Allan Jones on January 14, 1938, in Los Angeles, he grew up in the entertainment industry, with both parents enjoying successful careers in acting and music. Throughout his life, Jones was married six times and is survived by his wife Eleonora, two daughters, two stepdaughters, and three grandchildren, according to Billboard.

Despite facing health issues, Jones continued to perform until shortly before his death, captivating audiences with his timeless voice.