Kenwright had been battling liver cancer recently and had a successful surgery back in August.
Kenwright had been Everton chairman since 2004, overseeing a successful period and a turbulent time recently during his term of office.
Under his stewardship, Everton finished fourth in the Premier League in 2005 and reached the FA Cup final in 2009.
But the Merseyside club have flirted with relegation in recent years and Kenwright came under pressure from the Everton fans to resign earlier this year.
A statement on the club’s website said: “Everton Football Club is in mourning following the death of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones…
“The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”
Among those to pay tribute to Kenwright is former Everton forward Wayne Rooney, who posted on X: "Devastated to hear the sad news about Bill Kenwright. Known Bill since I was young and he's had a huge impact on me as a person and my career. Great man and a big inspiration. Thoughts are with all Bill's family and friends."
