Bob Weir, co‑founder of the Grateful Dead, died on January 10, 2026, at the age of 78. His family confirmed that while he had successfully beaten cancer in 2025, he ultimately succumbed to underlying lung complications. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.
Weir’s death was attributed to lung issues following a cancer battle. In July 2025, he was diagnosed with cancer but overcame it with treatment. Despite this victory, his lungs remained compromised, and the complications proved fatal. His family’s statement described his passing as “peaceful” and emphasized his resilience in facing illness.
Born on October 16, 1947, in San Francisco, Bob Weir was the youngest founding member of the Grateful Dead. He joined the band at 17, helping shape its psychedelic rock sound. His rhythm guitar work and vocals defined classics like “Sugar Magnolia,” “Truckin’,” and “One More Saturday Night.” Beyond the Dead, he performed with Dead & Company and explored symphonic reinterpretations of the band’s music.
Weir’s private life reflected both challenges and triumphs. Adopted as a child, he struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia but found solace in music. He became a father and maintained a strong connection to his family, including his daughter Chloe, who announced his passing. Friends and fans alike admired his warmth, humor, and dedication to community.
Weir’s death leaves Bill Kreutzmann as the only surviving original member of the Grateful Dead. Mickey Hart, who joined in 1967, remains active at 82. Phil Lesh died in 2024, and Ron “Pigpen” McKernan passed in 1973. Tributes from fans and fellow musicians describe Weir as a guiding force whose artistry reshaped American music and built one of the most devoted fan communities in history.
Official notices have been shared on Weir’s personal website and social media. While detailed funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced, memorials and tributes are being organized by fans across the U.S. Deadheads worldwide continue to honor his memory through gatherings, music tributes, and fundraising events.
Bob Weir’s passing marks the end of an era for the Grateful Dead’s founding lineup. His six‑decade career embodied the spirit of the counterculture, blending improvisation, community, and resilience. His legacy lives on in the music that continues to inspire generations, ensuring that the “long, strange trip” he helped begin will never truly end.