On Thursday, legendary musician David Crosby passed away at the age of 81. The news of his death was confirmed by his wife, Jan Dance, who stated in a statement that he had been battling “a long illness.”
Crosby was a founding member of the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, and his contributions to the music industry were celebrated by many of his former bandmates, friends, and fans.
In the statement, Dance said, “Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched.”
Statement of Jan Dnace “His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched,” the statement continued. “We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”
Many celebrities took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Crosby. The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson wrote on Twitter, “I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby. David was an unbelievable talent – such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words.”
I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby. David was an unbelievable talent – such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words. Love & Mercy to David’s family and friends. Love, Brian pic.twitter.com/Hjht7LeGiv
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) January 19, 2023
Melissa Etheridge expressed her sadness at the passing of David Crosby, who was not only a musician but also the biological father of two of her children. She shared a photo of herself and Crosby together, playing music.
In her post, Etheridge wrote, “I am grieving the loss of my friend Beckett and Bailey’s biological father, David. He gave me the gift of family. I will forever be grateful to him, Django, and Jan. His music and legacy will inspire many generations to come. A true treasure.”
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The Doors shared a tribute to David Crosby on their official account, stating, “The world has lost yet another ethereal fixture of the ’60s peace and love movement.”
“A legend within his own right, and every group he was a part of,” the tribute share, “coming up in the same era as The Doors, David Crosby had the voice and song writing abilities that made him completely unique…”
Here are some of the heartfelt tributes shared in memory of David Crosby:
Sometimes I pinch myself when I look back at the people I worked with who I admired as a kid.
I repped David Crosby on different occasions. He was his own man. He could be cantankerous, he could be a pussycat. That was Cros.
About as real as you could get.
Long Time Gone 1969 pic.twitter.com/BIylD1b0I7
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) January 19, 2023
I can’t begin to say how influential Crosby, Stills and Nash were for me. I’m grateful David Crosby lived, and so very sad he’s gone.
— rosanne cash (@rosannecash) January 19, 2023
We are so sad to hear of the passing of the legendary David Crosby, a man of unbelievable talent. As a small tribute, here’s our cover of CSNY’s “Teach Your Children”. Rest in Peace, David. https://t.co/J2Lqpzt8to pic.twitter.com/6bCaQdaBbh
— HANSON (@hansonmusic) January 19, 2023