Death and aftermath A cigarette smoker for most of his adult life, Ross expected to die young and had several health problems over the course of his life. He died at the age of 52 on July 4, 1995, in Orlando, Florida, due to complications from lymphoma.

A painting from the first episode of Bob Ross' “Joy of Painting” could go for millions of dollars. Titled “A Walk in the Woods,” the piece is listed at $9.85 million and could be the most expensive and historically resonant Ross piece to ever be sold, according to NPR.

One of Ross's most famous paintings is "Mystic Mountain," where he skillfully captured the ethereal beauty of a distant mountain range surrounded by mist. He used his unique wet-on-wet technique, where layers of oil paint are applied onto wet layers, resulting in soft blends and smooth transitions.

Bob Ross was an American painter, art instructor and television host who created the instructional television program The Joy of Painting. Ross enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at only 18 years old. He moved up in ranking and became a sergeant before retiring in 1981, marking 20 years in the service.