英语文摘:Metal rock singer Ronnie James Dio dies at 67

BEIJING, May 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Metal rock singer Ronnie James Dio died Saturday at 67, said a statement by his wife and manager as quoted by media reports.

The metal legend was diagnosed of stomach cancer in November 2009. He was being treated in a hospital in Houston before he passed sway.

His wife Wendy Dio was devastated, saying on the singer's website that "Today my heart is broken."

"Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away," she added.

Dio was with the band Heaven and Hell, which had recently canceled its summer tour due to Dio's physical condition.

But still Dio had been optimistic and hoped to perform once again. "Wendy, my doctors and I have worked so hard to make it happen for all of you, the ones we care so much about, that this setback could be devastating, but we will not let it be," he said in a statement.

"With your continued love and support, we ... will carry on and thrive. There will be other tours, more music, more life and much more magic."

Dio became famous as the vocal of heavy metal band Rainbow in 1975, and joined the band Black Sabbath in 1980, replacing its vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. He also formed his own band Dio. The post-Osbourne Black Sabbath was also known as Heaven And Hell, according to AP.

Dio's most memorable songs include "Heaven And Hell", "Neon Knights," "Killing The Dragon," "Stargazer."