The songwriter for popular Christmas song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” - - popularized by singer Karen Carpenters and 500 other singers - - Hugh Martin has died of natural causes over the weekend. He was 96.

The family of the multi-awarded songwriter has issued a statement announcing his death at his home in Encinitas, California.

"Our family was blessed to have Uncle Hugh in our lives. Not only was he an amazing and talented musician and composer, but the most caring and thoughtful man you'll ever meet," Martin’s niece, Suzanne Hanners was quoted as saying in a statement on his official website.

The statement added, "He was adored by family and friends and respected and loved by colleagues. He had such grace and class. He truly was 'the boy next door."

The ‘boy next door’ description of the “The Trolley Song” composer was in reference to Martin’s autobiography titled, “Hugh Martin: The Boy Next Door” which was released in 2010. TV Guide said that the autobiography was also a reference to his other notable song from “Meet Me in St. Louis” musical.

The songwriter is survived by brother Gordon, nephews Gordon Martin Jr. and Hugh Martin III, nieces Suzanne Hanners and Lua Martin Wells and manager and longtime friend Elaine Harrison.

Martin’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was recorded by more than 500 singers, said TV Guide. These included Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Christina Aguilera, Garth Brooks, Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, the Jackson 5, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler and Lou Rawls.

He had received four Tony and Academy Award nominations in his career. Martin and songwriting partner Ralph Blane said TV Guide were nominated for Best Original Song for writing the score for the film "The Trolley Song." They were nominated for "Pass the Peace Pipe" from Good News in 1947.

No details have been announced yet of the funeral services and other activities for the late Hugh Martin.