Bob Weir, the founding guitarist and songwriter of the Grateful Dead, died on January 10, 2026, at the age of 78. His family announced his passing in a statement posted to his Instagram account, revealing he had succumbed to underlying lung issues after bravely battling cancer. He was diagnosed with cancer in July 2025 and began treatment shortly before performing at a three-night celebration of the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco—his final public appearances.

Weir’s death marks the end of an era for the iconic band, which rose from jug band roots to become a defining force in psychedelic rock and jam band culture. Despite the 1995 death of bandmate Jerry Garcia, Weir remained a central figure in keeping the Grateful Dead legacy alive through groups like Dead & Company, RatDog, and Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros.

His family described him as having lived with the same spirit that defined his life—“a man driftin’ and dreamin’”—and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans worldwide. Weir is survived by his wife, Natascha Münter, and their two children, Monet and Chloe.

John Mayer, a longtime collaborator and friend, paid tribute to Weir on Instagram, calling him a legend and thanking him for letting him “ride alongside” him musically.