WASHINGTON — Bob Weir, celebrated as the co-founder, guitarist, singer, and songwriter for the iconic rock ensemble, the Grateful Dead, has passed away at the age of 78.

A heartfelt message on his Instagram account conveyed the news: “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Bobby Weir. He left us peacefully, surrounded by his dearest ones, after bravely overcoming cancer in his unique way,” the post read. “Sadly, he could not defeat his underlying lung ailments.”

The statement highlighted Weir’s transformative influence on American music: “His contributions transcended mere sound; they were a radiant warmth that nourished the spirit, forging a sense of community, a shared language, and a familial bond cherished by generations of fans.”

In July 2025, Weir was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment just weeks before performing at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park to commemorate the band’s 60th anniversary. While the specific type of cancer was not disclosed, the post confirmed he had successfully battled it.

The tribute continued, “His artistry extended beyond mere melodies; it was a sunlit embrace that enriched the soul, crafting a sense of kinship and shared experience that resonates through the years. Each note and lyric he offered was an invitation to explore, to question, to journey, and to connect.”

Fans, called “Dead Heads” flooded to the comments to pay their respects to the rock legend, wishing his family well and thanking him for the music he made. 

“We send him off the way he sent so many of us on our way: with a farewell that isn’t an ending, but a blessing. A reward for a life worth livin’,” the caption said. “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. Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.”

He was with the Grateful dead from its founding in 1965 until 1995. He was part of various bands, projects and side projects. The most recent was Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros, which formed in 2018 and was a a six-piece string and brass ensemble with Don Was, Jay Lane, Jeff Chimenti and The Wolfpack, according to his website. 

He and the Grateful Dead earned many awards over the decades, including in 2024 when they were recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, in 2025 when the band was named MusiCares Person of the Year. Weir also earned the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and has been honored many other ways, according to his website. 

The band has more than 2.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify with hits like “Friend of the Devil,” “Touch of Grey” and “Casey Jones” being the most popular. 

His family, consisting of wife Natascha Münter and children Shala Monet Weir and Chloe Kaelia Weir is requesting privacy and “offer their gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and remembrance.”