Memphis, Tennessee - Jerry Lee Lewis passed away at the age of 87, his publicist announced after a series of reports flip-flopped on the story Friday.

Multiple outlets ran the story hours after an initial TMZ article on his death was retracted, as confusion reigned.

"Earlier today we were told by someone claiming to be Lewis’ rep that he had passed. That turned out not to be the case," TMZ said in the retraction.

The sad news was eventually confirmed by the rock 'n' roll legend's publicist, who did not reveal a cause of death.

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Lewis was a true superstar in the late 1950s, with hits including Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On and Great Balls of Fire. In 1958, the world learned that he’d married his 13-year-old cousin, while his marriage to his previous wife was still legally in force. Over his lifetime, he married seven times.

He later refashioned himself as a country star, but never regained the same level of fame. The Louisiana-born artist was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame last week, but couldn’t attend because he was sick with the flu.

"It is with heartfelt sadness and disappointment that I write to you today from my sick bed, rather than be able to share my thoughts in person," Lewis wrote in an acceptance speech posted to Facebook.

"I tried everything I could to build up the strength to come today – I’ve looked so forward to it since I found out about it earlier this year."

Lewis leaves behind four living children.