Meat Loaf was "scared to death of Covid" and said he would not be "controlled" by the deadly virus.
The iconic Bat Out Of Hell singer died aged 74 on Thursday night, surrounded by his wife Deborah and his children Pearl and Amanda.
He reportedly passed away after contracting the virus and was forced to cancel a business dinner earlier this week after falling "seriously ill".
It is unknown whether Meat Loaf - real name Marvin Lee Aday - had been vaccinated, but he did declare: "If I die, I die - I'm not going to be controlled" when previously talking about the illness in an interview.
Speaking to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about coronavirus, the rock star said: "Oh, I'm scared to death! You kidding me? But I'm sorry, I understood stopping life for a little while, but they cannot continue to stop life because of politics. And right now they're stopping because of politics.
"And on CNN last night, it finally came out that the masks we're all wearing are useless. But I've known that for six months. They don't do anything. They don't stop you from getting Covid. They're just a nuisance and make your nose itch and make it so you can't breathe."
The interviewer then cut in, adding: "We're being controlled by everybody," which prompted Meat Loaf to reply: "Yeah, I know. But not me. If I die, I die, but I'm not going to be controlled."
Marvin's wife released a statement on his official Facebook page telling fans of the devastating news he had died.
"Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side," the emotional tribute read.
"Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.
"His amazing career spanned 6 decades that saw him sell over 100 Million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including “Fight Club”, “Focus”, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Wayne’s World.”
“Bat Out of Hell” remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.
"We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time. From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!"
"We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man."
Sources have claimed to TMZ he passed away on Thursday night after contracting the disease.
They added that Meat Loaf's battle "quickly became critical", before the singer passed away surrounded by his family.
They also suggested to TMZ that the late star was outspoken regarding issues linked to the pandemic - claiming the late star had been "railing with folks in Australia recently about vaccine mandates".
