Bobby Hart dead: The Monkees legend dies aged 86 as tributes pour in

The Monkees legend Micky Dolenz shared, "another great has gone" after he announced the band's songwriter Bobby Hart had died aged 86. Bobby, whose real name was Robert Luke Harshman sadly died on September 10. He was one half of the songwriting duo Boyce and Hart. His colleague Sidney Thomas "Tommy" Boyce died in 1994. The American duo were singer-songwriters and wrote some of The Monkees biggest hits. A post on The Monkees Instagram page initially shared the news with fans of the iconic '60s band. The caption read, "Very sad news to report: Bobby Hart, the songwriting dynamo who was half of the duo responsible for so many Monkees songs, has died.

The caption continued, "With partner Tommy Boyce, Bobby penned tracks like 'I Wanna Be Free,' 'Last Train to Clarksville,' the iconic 'Monkees' theme, and so many more." In addition, the post noted, Hart wrote the Little Anthony & the Imperials hit "Hurts So Bad." The caption continued, "With partner Tommy Boyce, Bobby penned tracks like 'I Wanna Be Free,' 'Last Train to Clarksville,' the iconic 'Monkees' theme, and so many more." In addition, the caption noted, Hart wrote the Little Anthony & the Imperials hit "Hurts So Bad."

They went on: "He will be remembered for his incredible talent and his innate spirituality.

They also included a quote attributed to Hart where the songwriter noted it was "interesting and gratifying" to see the long-lasting success of The Monkees. "They'll have a life of their own that'll probably far outlast mine," Hart previously shared.

The Monkees legend Dolenz also penned an emotional tribute to his friend and colleague.

He wrote: "Another great is gone. Bobby Hart, who along with Tommy Boyce, penned and produced some of The Monkees' greatest hits not only made a vital contribution to the popular success of The Monkees, but even more importantly to the essence, the very spirit of the entire venture.

"His talent, charisma, good humor and calmness in the face of what at times was nothing less than a maniacal roller coaster ride often brought a sense of peace that heartened everyone around him. He was the stillness that is the eye of the hurricane."

"Rest in peace, Bobby," Dolenz concluded.

Fans flocked to the comment section to offer their condolences as one penned: "So so sorry for your loss."

Another remarked: "How sad. I absolutely adored DJBH and would pour over the album liner notes. I am truly sorry for your loss. Your tribute is beautiful."

"Very sad news. A gifted songwriter and key member of the team that helped the Monkees to soar," a third commented.

While a fourth added: "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight is a classic. RIP."

Boyce and Hart wrote for Chubby Checker and had their first significant hit with "Come a Little Bit Closer," which was performed by Jay and the Americans. The songwriting team also appeared in episodes of The Flying Nun and I Dream of Jeannie.

They later toured with Dolenz and Davy Jones for some time. The quartet, which named themselves Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart, did a television special and an album, although they never garnered the level of attention that The Monkees did.