Bob Weir Dies at 78; Team Says He Succumbed to Underlying Lung Issues

People reports that Bob Weir, guitarist and founding member of the Grateful Dead, has died at 78, his team said in a statement posted to his official Instagram on Saturday, Jan. 10. The statement said he "transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could," and that he ultimately "succumbed to underlying lung issues." Weir was diagnosed with cancer in July 2025 and began treatment only weeks before returning to his hometown stage for a three-night celebration of 60 years of music at Golden Gate Park, the statement said.

He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994; his official site also lists the Les Paul Spirit Award and the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Per that site and the statement, he supported HeadCount, served as a United Nations Development Program Goodwill Ambassador and co-founded the Furthur Foundation.

He is survived by his wife, Natascha, and their daughters Shala Monet and Chloe Kaelia. The statement said it is currently unknown where Weir was at the time of his death, and his family requested privacy while offering gratitude for the outpouring of support. The tribute concluded, "May we honor him not only in sorrow, but in how bravely we continue with open hearts, steady steps, and the music leading us home.

Key Topics

Culture, Bob Weir, Grateful Dead, Golden Gate Park, Headcount, Furthur Foundation