Grateful Dead Vocalist Donna Jean Godchaux Passes Away, Aged 78

Donna Jean Godchaux, the musician best known for her role as a vocalist for The Grateful Dead during their ‘70s period, has passed away at the age of 78.

Godchaux’s passing was confirmed by Rolling Stone, who reported that the singer died on Sunday, November 2nd following a “lengthy struggle with cancer”.

“She was a sweet and warmly beautiful spirit, and all those who knew her are united in loss,” said Dennis McNally, a representative of Godchaux, in a statement. “The family requests privacy at this time of grieving.

“In the words of Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, ‘May the four winds blow her safely home.’”

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Donna Jean Godchaux,” the Grateful Dead wrote in their own social media post. “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”

Godchaux was born Donna Jean Thatcher in Florence, Alabama in 1947, beginning her career as a session singer in the mid-'60s. Performing as part vocal group named Southern Comfort, Godchaux's voice appeared on hits such as Percy Sledge's When A Man Loves A Woman and Elvis Presley's Suspicious Minds.

Godchaux became a member of the Grateful Dead in late 1971, alongside her husband Keith Godchaux, whom she married the year prior.

The pair remained members of the group until 1979, appearing on some of their most commercially-successful studio releases, including Wake Of The Flood, From The Mars Hotel, and Blues For Allah.

During their time in the band, the pair released 1975's Keith & Donna album, which also featured Grateful Dead members such as Jerry Gracia as the backing band.

In 1980, the Godchauxs formed the Heart Of Gold Band, taking their name from the lyric of the Grateful Dead’s Scarlet Begonias. Keith passed away in a car accident later that same year, just days after their first live performance, and the band split in 1981.

Godchaux’s musical career was relatively sparse in the following years, with a reformation of the Heart Of Gold Band in the early ‘00s being followed by the formation of the Donna Jean Godchaux Band, who would release a pair of albums between 2008 and 2014.

Godchaux was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2016 as a member of the Grateful Dead, with her final years including live appearances with many of her former bandmates, and involvement in the archival release process of many Grateful Dead records and live albums.