Larry Henley, the songwriter behind beloved ballad Wind Beneath My Wings, has died, aged 77.

The legendary writer passed away in Nashville on Thursday (18Dec14). He had been suffering from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

He is best known for co-writing the hit song, which has been covered by many artists including Lou Rawls, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Gladys Knight & The Pips and Sheena Easton and veteran entertainer Bette Midler, who made the song an international hit in 1988 when it featured on the soundtrack for her movie, Beaches.

The song won Grammy Awards for Record and Song of the Year in 1990.

Henley also wrote number one country hits such as 'Til I Get it Right by Tammy Wynette and Lizzie and the Rainman by Tanya Tucker, as well as songs for Janie Fricke and Randy Travis.

Henley was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012.