Grateful Dead share tribute to “unmistakable” Donna Jean Godchaux
The Grateful Dead have paid an emotional tribute to the late Donna Jean Godchaux.
Following a lengthy battle with cancer, Godchaux died in a hospice in Nashville on November 2nd. The former singer was 78.
Now, in light of her passing, Grateful Dead, of which she was a member between 1971 and 1979, took to Instagram to honour Godchaux, writing, “It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Donna Jean Godchaux.”
They heartbreakingly continued: “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.”
Gofchaux’s death was announced by her publicist Dennis McNally, who said in a statement, “She was a sweet and warmly beautiful spirit, and all those who knew her are united in loss. The family requests privacy at this time of grieving.”
McNally’s statement then quoted Robert Hunter, adding, “In the words of Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, ‘May the four winds blow her safely home.’”
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Prior to joining the Grateful Dead alongside her husband, Keith Godchaux, in 1971, Donna Jean had exclusively worked as a backup singer on studio projects, contributing to classic hits including ‘Suspicious Minds’ by Elvis Presley and Percy Sledge’s ‘When A Man Loves a Woman’.
Throughout the 1970s, Godchaux sang backing vocals during the Grateful Dead’s golden era and pianist Keith also contributed hugely to the band’s sound. Outside of the band, the couple released the 1975 album, Keith and Donna.
Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir also paid a personal tribute to Godchaux on his own social media channels. Alongside an image of them performing together, he wrote, “Well OK, Donna’s moved on. She blazed a path in music many aspire to follow. In her quiet, unassuming way she’ll be goin’ for it, even though there may not even be words for what 𝘪𝘵 is – how she always was.”
Additionally, Dead and Company guitarist John Mayer took to Instagram Stories to share, “I absolutely loved the shows we played with Donna. Such sad news.”
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