Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

After carrying the legacy of his father and Eagles cofounder Glenn Frey for several years with his own immense talent, Deacon Frey will no longer be performing with the legendary California band.

“Deacon Frey has devoted the past four and a half years to carrying on his father’s legacy and, after some weeks of reflection, he now feels that it is time for him to forge his own path,” the band announced in a statement. “We understand, completely, and we support him in whatever he wishes to pursue in the years ahead.”

The statement continued:

“In the wake of his dad’s demise, Deacon, at age 24, did an extraordinary thing by stepping from relative anonymity into the very public world of his father’s long illustrious career. We are grateful to Deacon for his admirable efforts and we wish him well as he charts his future. Deacon’s Eagles Family will always be here to surround him with love, support and goodwill, and he is always welcome to join us onstage at any future concerts if he so desires. We hope our fans will join us in wishing Deacon the very best as he moves into the next phase of his career.”

After the Eagles frontman Glenn Frey passed away in 2016 from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia at the age of 67, Deacon Frey followed in father’s footsteps and joined the band. Drummer/vocalist Don Henley noticed Deacon when he performed Peaceful Easy Feeling at Glenn’s funeral with such courage and strength and knew he would fit perfectly with the band. Deacon would sing many of his father’s songs including Take It Easy, Already Gone, and Peaceful Easy Feeling during the Eagles concerts the past few years.

Deacon will be missed with the Eagles, but we are all so excited to see where his new path leads him!

Watch Deacon Frey perform Peaceful Easy Feeling with the Eagles live in 2018 here: