Grateful Dead songstress throughout the 1970s, Donna Jean Godchaux has died at the age of 78.
Taking to their Threads account, the legendary band confirmed the news, writing:
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Donna Jean Godchaux.” “Her unmistakable voice and radiant spirit touched the lives of countless fans and immeasurably enriched the Grateful Dead family.” “Her contributions will forever remain part of the tapestry that continues to be woven. We send our deepest condolences to her loved ones and ask for privacy for her family during this time.”
In a statement to Rolling Stone, the singer’s representative Dennis McNally said that she passed away on Sunday (11.02) at a hospice facility in Nashville after a “lengthy struggle with cancer,” adding “She was a sweet and warmly beautiful spirit, and all those who knew her are united in loss,” “In the words of Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, ‘May the four winds blow her safely home.'”
At the same time as her husband/keyboard player, Keith, joined the band, Godchaux joined the Grateful Dead in 1971. The married couple subsequently left the band in 1979 to form the Heart of Gold Band which ended with the sudden death of Keith in a 1980 car accident.
Recorded with the Donna Jean Godchaux Band alongside Jeff Mattson, Godchaux’s final full length, Back Around, was recorded in 2014.
The singer’s death follows the October 2024 passing of founding Grateful Dead bassist Phil, at the age of 84.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Roger Gupta