Legendary Musician Bob Weir Dies At 78
Guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of the Grateful Dead, Bob Weir, passed away on January 10th. According to a statement made online by his family, the 78-year-old succumbed to “underlying lung issues” after beating lung cancer. They wrote:
“He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could.”
Bob, known affectionately as Bobby, was born in 1947 in San Francisco as Robert Hall Parber. He was given up for adoption and raised by Frederick and Eleanor Weir. Bob found a love for music in his teens and joined guitarist Jerry Garcia in 1964 to create the first iteration of what would later become the Grateful Dead.
“Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music. His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them.”
In March 2025, Weir told Rolling Stone:
“I’ll say this: I look forward to dying. I tend to think of death as a reward for a life well-lived.”
Wynonna Judd Says Her “Heart Is Broken” Over Loss Of Bob Weir
After news of the rock star’s death was made public, country icon Wynonna Judd shared a touching tribute online. She knew the late guitarist personally, and the two shared a bond that grew significantly following the death of Naomi Judd in 2022. Additionally, they were fellow honorees in January 2025 for the MusiCares Person of the Year.
Along with more than a dozen photos of her “favorite moments” with Weir, Wynonna wrote:
“At times, he was a tough nut to crack, but I will always take pride in the fact that I could get him to laugh. Sir Robert Weir… you have left a lasting imprint on my life.”
In her tribute, Wynonna shared a touching story from her mother Naomi Judd’s celebration of life. She recalled that when Bob, whom she calls Sir Robert, got the call about the private ceremony in Nashville, he showed up “no questions asked” to show his support.
“No publicity, no cameras, not even an expectation for him to take the stage—but he insisted on showing up in the best way he knew how. He joined the stage with my family, friends, and musical peers. I will FOREVER honor the friendship that turned into family.”
Weir died the day before what would have been Naomi’s 80th birthday. See Wynonna’s full post remembering her friend Bob Weir below.