Singer-songwriter Warren Zevon [ tickets ], who last year was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer, died on Sunday (9/7). He was 56.

Zevon died in his sleep at his Los Angeles-area home, according to published reports. The musician, who was a notoriously heavy smoker for much of his life, announced in September of last year that doctors had diagnosed him with terminal lung cancer and predicted that he had only months to live.

In keeping with his characteristic wit and dark humor, Zevon issued a statement at the time news of his illness surfaced in which he said, "I'm okay with it, but it'll be a drag if I don't make it till the next James Bond movie comes out."

Zevon's death came just days after the Aug. 26 release of his final album, "The Wind," on which he began work after learning of his condition. The album entered the latest Billboard 200 album chart at No. 16, thanks in part to the success of its first single, a cover version of Bob Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door."

The album also got significant exposure in a recent VH1 documentary titled "Inside Out: Warren Zevon," which follows the artist's struggle with his terminal illness and to create his final album. VH1, which premiered the show on Aug. 24, will rebroadcast the special on Wednesday (9/8).

Hosted by Billy Bob Thornton, the documentary features interviews with Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood and Zevon's two children.

"The Wind" features guest appearances from Bruce Springsteen; Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles; Tom Petty; Jackson Browne; Emmylou Harris; Dwight Yoakam; Billy Bob Thornton; Ry Cooder; and T-Bone Burnett.

Zevon released his first album, "Wanted Dead or Alive," in 1969, with disappointing results. After subsequently working as a session musician, composing advertising jingles and playing keys for the Everly Brothers, Zevon took another swing at a solo career with his self-titled 1976 album, which Jackson Browne produced. "Excitable Boy" followed two years later, and scored commercial success with its hit single "Werewolves of London."

By the early '80s, Zevon was battling alcoholism, and underwent a long period of rehabilitative therapy and counseling before issuing 1987's "Sentimental Hygiene." A number of studio releases and two live sets followed, including 2000's "Life'll Kill Ya" and last year's "My Ride's Here."

Zevon said in various interviews during his final months that he had no regrets, and that we was glad to have sobered up in time to watch his children--daughter Ariel and son Jordan--grow into adulthood.

Zevon's family said that he lived far longer than was expected at the time of his diagnosis, according to an Associated Press report, which allowed him to enjoy his first grandchildren, twins that Ariel gave birth to earlier this year.