Ken Kragen dead: Bee Gees manager dies at 85

The TV and film producer, who helped organize the 1985 charity single We Are The World, died of natural causes Tuesday at his home in Brentwood, California.

He died “peacefully” and surrounded by members of his family, a spokesman said in a statement.

Kragen worked in the music and entertainment industry for many years and managed other well-known celebrities, including Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John and Burt Reynolds.

His wife of 43 years, actress Cathy Worthington, said, “It is the honor of my life to be married to someone of such character and loving kindness.”

Daughter Emma Kragen added, “While I'm obviously very proud of all he's accomplished professionally, he's also been the best father I could ask for.”

A graduate of Harvard Business School, Kragen helped develop and organize historic humanitarian projects, including We Are the World and Hands Across America.

For the projects, he was awarded the United Nations Peace Medal, making him one of a handful of private individuals to receive the honor.

He has also received two MTV Awards, an American Music Award, several Emmy nominations, the Conference of Personnel Managers' Manager of the Year Award, and was the only person ever elected president of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

Kragen was born on November 24, 1936 in Alameda, Calif.

A memorial service is planned for the future.

Spokeswoman Cheryl J Kagan said, “We ask that the Kragen family be allowed to grieve privately during this time of loss.”