Another dick Grateful Dead died after losing Phil Lesh just last year — A rep for former backup singer Donna Godchaux confirmed her passing at age 78 on November 2 via People.
Godchaux reportedly died in hospice care in Nashville after a “long battle with cancer.” In a statement for PeopleHer rep shared: “She was sweet and warm, a beautiful soul, and everyone who knew her is united in their loss. The family requests privacy during this time of grief.”
They continued: “According to Dead lyricist Robert Hunter“May the four winds carry her home safely.”
Godchaux played with the Dead in the '70s along with her late husband (and father of her child, Zion “Rock” Godchaux), keyboardist Keith Godchaux, who died in 1980. After Keith's death, Donna married her second husband, David Mackay, with whom she remained until her death.
Prior to her time with the Dead, Godchaux recorded as a session musician with Elvis Presley, Cher and Percy Sledge. She also worked on several Grateful Dead offshoot projects, including Hunter's solo work, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Jerry Garcia Band and Dead cover bands Dark Star Orchestra, Jazz Is Dead and Zen Tricksters.
Both Donna and Kate Godchaux left the group in 1979, citing creative differences. At this point, Brent Midland joined as keyboardist and vocalist, a role he held until his death in 1990. In 2007, Donna formed the Donna Jean Godchaux Band with McKay as a member, under which she performed original and Dead music.
Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann are the only surviving members of the classic Grateful Dead lineup. Earlier this year the group announced 60 hour box The set celebrates its 60th anniversary. They also played 18-day residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
