Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, the renowned vocalist for the Grateful Dead, has passed away at the age of 78. The singer died on Sunday at Alive Hospice in Nashville, following a prolonged battle with cancer, as confirmed by a statement from her family.
In their message, the family described Godchaux-MacKay as “a sweet and warmly beautiful spirit,” adding that all those who knew her share in the loss. The statement also included a quote from the late Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter: “May the four winds blow her safely home.” The family has asked for privacy during this time of mourning.
Born Donna Jean Thatcher on August 22, 1947, in Florence, Alabama, Godchaux-MacKay made a lasting impact on the music world. She became widely recognised for her work as a vocalist with the Grateful Dead between 1972 and 1979, contributing harmonies and occasional lead vocals to the band’s iconic sound. Prior to joining the Grateful Dead, she was a session singer in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, during the 1960s, providing backup vocals on hit songs for artists such as Percy Sledge (“When a Man Loves a Woman”) and Elvis Presley (“Suspicious Minds”). Her distinctive voice also featured on recordings by Boz Scaggs, Cher, Neil Diamond, and Duane Allman.
In 1970, Godchaux-MacKay married pianist Keith Godchaux, and two years later, both joined the Grateful Dead after she introduced herself to the band’s leader, Jerry Garcia. The couple toured with the band across America, Europe, and beyond until 1979. In 1975, they released an album, Keith & Donna, which featured Garcia on guitar.
After leaving the Grateful Dead, the couple formed the Heart of Gold Band, but this project was short-lived after Keith tragically died in a car crash in July 1980. Following his death, Godchaux-MacKay married bassist David MacKay and returned to Muscle Shoals in 1981, where she continued to perform with the Donna Jean Godchaux Band alongside her new husband.
Godchaux-MacKay is survived by her second husband, David MacKay; her sons Kinsman and Zion, along with their families; her sister, Gogi; and her brother, Ivan.