Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, the only woman to have graced The Grateful Dead's lineup, has died at 78.
The band confirmed the news in a Nov. 3 Instagram post caption that read, "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."
The statement continued, "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."
The singer died at a hospice on Sunday, Nov. 2, in Nashville after a lengthy cancer battle, according to Rolling Stone and People.
The Alabama-born talent sang with the revolutionary band alongside her first husband, Keith Godchaux, from 1972 to 1979. Both went on to perform with founder Jerry Garcia's Jerry Garcia Band from 1976 to 1978, while Garcia performed with the couple as a member of the Keith and Donna Band. She also sang backing vocals on tracks by Elvis Presley, Percy Sledge, Cher and Neil Diamond.
