Levon Helm gravely ill

The Band's Robbie Robertson's shout-out to drummer Levon Helm at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony over the weekend apparently wasn't a random act of kindness. After canceled performances and a low profile, his family has revealed on Helm's official website that he's losing his battle with cancer.

The site has been disabled and only features the home page with the photo above and a message from Helm's family:

Dear Friends,
Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey.

Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration... he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage...

We appreciate all the love and support and concern.
From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy

From his stellar work with Bob Dylan and The Band to his infamous house-party "midnight ramble" concerts of recent years, Helm has been a pioneer who has seen it all while having one of the most respected careers in rock 'n' roll. Here's hoping that our impending loss is as gentle on Helm and his family as possible.

Here, of course, is one of his finest moments.

UPDATE: Helm's official website is no longer locked, and you can click here to access everything.