Andy Williams died Tuesday at the age of 84 after a battle with cancer. Fans around the world mourn the legendary singer by listening to his classics, none of which is more widely celebrated than "Moon River."

Although he never released it as a single (his recording company thought "Moon River" was too confusing and old-fashioned for teens), the soft ballad skyrocketed him into the celebrity stratosphere.

Williams' recording of "Moon River," released on the album Moon River and Other Great Movie Themes, led to NBC's 1962 premiere of "The Andy Williams Show," a weekly variety program, according to People magazine. The show stayed on the air until 1971 and subsequently returned as an annual Christmas special.

The Iowa-born singer went on to enjoy immense fame and success, earning 17 gold and three platinum albums during his career. President Reagan dubbed him "a national treasure."

Williams named his $12 million state-of-the-art theatre in Branson, Mo. in honour of the song. The Andy Williams Moon River Theatre opened its doors on May 1, 1991, and has welcomed the likes of Glen Campbell, Ann-Margret, Petula Clark and Charo. The theater won the 1992 Conservation Award for Developed Land Use from the State of Missouri, according to the bio. It is also the only theatre to be featured in Architectural Digest.

He later opened a restaurant called "The Moon River Grill" in 2007. Williams' autobiography, titled “Moon River and Me,” was released in 2009 and rose to No. 10 on the Los Angeles Times Best-Seller List.

Williams died at his home in Branson. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, and his three children from another relationship.
 
R.I.P. TO THE GREATS!