Hotelier Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart has died.

Stewart was founder of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, and their parent company Sandals Resorts International, as well as The ATL Group and The Jamaica Observer.

He died Monday in the United States at age 79.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said he is saddened by the passing.

READ: Tributes rush in for late 'Butch' Stewart [1]

READ: 'Butch' chose to keep health diagnosis private, says son [3]

LISTEN: When 'Butch' Stewart pleaded to save the dollar [4]

A recipient of the Order of Jamaica and the Commander of the Order of Distinction, Stewart was born on July 6, 1941.

He would have turned 80 this year.

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