Robert Hunter, Grateful Dead Lyricist and Poet, Dead at 78
Photo by Ed Perlstein/Redferns/Getty
Robert Hunter’s long, strange trip is over: The poet, translator and songwriter best known as a go-to Grateful Dead lyricist died on Monday night of undisclosed causes. He was 78 years old.
“It is with great sadness we confirm our beloved Robert passed away yesterday night,” Hunter’s family said in a statement issued to Rolling Stone. “He died peacefully at home in his bed, surrounded by love. His wife Maureen was by his side holding his hand. For his fans that have loved and supported him all these years, take comfort in knowing that his words are all around us, and in that way his is never truly gone. In this time of grief please celebrate him the way you all know how, by being together and listening to the music. Let there be songs to fill the air.”
“Fare you well, Mr. Hunter. We love you more than words can tell,” wrote Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux in a tribute to Hunter published on the band’s website Tuesday.
“Fare you well, Mr. Hunter. We love you more than words can tell…” @lemieuxdavid