Joe C., Kid Rock [ tickets ]’s diminutive rapping sidekick, died in his sleep on Thursday night (11/16), according to an Atlantic Records press release. Born Joseph Calleja, Joe C. was afflicted since childhood with an intestinal disorder known as celiac disease. He was 26 years old.

Rock added Joe C. to his lineup in 1994 after discovering that Joe C. was a long-time fan who knew all of Rock’s lyrics, according to All Music Guide. Joe C. appeared on Kid Rock’s multi-platinum, 1998 disc, “Devil Without a Cause’ (Top Dog/Lava/Atlantic), and toured extensively in support of the album as part of Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker band.

Joe C. recorded a solo tune for the soundtrack to the film “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut” titled “Kyle's Mom's a Big Fat B****.”

"Family and friends are everything,” Kid Rock [ tickets ] said via the Atlantic press release. “Without them, all of the fame and fortune means nothing. We have lost part of our family. Joey gave us and the world his love. He brought a smile to everyone who has ever known or seen him. In a world full of confusion, Joey made all of us laugh. No matter what color, religion, race, or beliefs we have, he made us all smile. He gave us the gift of joy. Joey, thank you. We will never forget you. We love you."