The announcement was made by his wife Michele Goffin. Gerald "Gerry" Goffin, was born Feb. 11, 1939 in Brooklyn. King and Goffin, who were married in 1959, are the parents of Louise Goffin and Sherry Goffin Kondor.

King released a statement on Goffin's passing. "Gerry Goffin was my first love. He had a profound impact on my life and the rest of the world. Gerry was a good man and a dynamic force, whose words and creative influence will resonate for generations to come. His legacy to me is our two daughters, four grandchildren, and our songs that have touched millions and millions of people, as well as a lifelong friendship. He will be missed by his wonderful wife Michele, his devoted manager, Christine Russell, his five children, and six grandchildren."

"His words expressed what so many people were feeling but didn’t know how to say. If you want to join his loved ones in honoring him, look at the names of the songwriters under the titles of songs. Among the titles associated with me, you’ll often find Gerry’s name next to mine," King added.

In addition to his collaboration on several hits with King, Goffin also wrote songs such as “Do You Know Where You’re Going To (Theme from Mahogany)” for which he and collaborator Michael Masser earned an Academy Award nomination, “Saving All My Love For You” also created with Masser, “Who Put The Bomp” with Barry Mann, and “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination” with Barry Goldberg. Goffin garnered a Golden Globe nomination for "So Sad the Song" for the 1977 Film "Pipe Dreams."

Goffin is also credited with nurturing the talents of Kelly Clarkson and several other popular music personalities. On stage, Goffin's legacy continues in the current Broadway production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Actor Jake Epstein portrays Goffin in the Tony-nominated musical that uses songs by King, Goffin and more for its score.