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Grateful Dead Vocalist Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay Dies at 78

11/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, a prominent Grateful Dead vocalist in the 1970s, died at age 78 in Nashville, Tennessee after a long cancer battle.
She joined the Grateful Dead from 1971 to 1979, alongside her husband Keith.
She also worked as a session singer and collaborated with Elvis Presley and Percy Sledge.
Tributes poured in from fellow musicians and fans, noting her powerful voice and beloved place in the band’s history.

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Story summary

Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, a prominent Grateful Dead vocalist in the 1970s, died at age 78 in Nashville, Tennessee after a long cancer battle.
She joined the Grateful Dead from 1971 to 1979, alongside her husband Keith.
She also worked as a session singer and collaborated with Elvis Presley and Percy Sledge.
Tributes poured in from fellow musicians and fans, noting her powerful voice and beloved place in the band’s history.