Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, a renowned vocalist for the Grateful Dead during the 1970s and a backup singer for legendary artists such as Elvis Presley and Percy Sledge, has passed away at the age of 78.
Godchaux-MacKay died on Sunday after a lengthy battle with cancer, according to an official statement. She passed away at Alive Hospice in Nashville. The statement described her as “a sweet and warmly beautiful spirit,” and added, “all those who knew her are united in loss.” The family has requested privacy during this time of grieving. In the words of Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, “May the four winds blow her safely home.”
Best known for her work with the Grateful Dead from 1971 to 1979, Donna Jean appeared on iconic albums including *Wake From the Flood* and *What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been*. Beyond her time with the Grateful Dead, she performed in groups such as Keith and Donna Godchaux and the Heart of Gold Band.
Her impressive career also included contributions to major hits like Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” and Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Additionally, she lent her vocals to records by Cher, Boz Scaggs, and Bob Weir.
Born Donna Jean Thatcher in Florence, Alabama, she initially worked as a session singer in Muscle Shoals, a renowned music recording hub. In 1970, she moved to California and married pianist Keith Godchaux.
Following her tenure with the Grateful Dead, tragedy struck when Keith died in an accident, leading Donna Jean to take a temporary hiatus from music. She later returned to release albums with bands such as the Ghosts and the Heart of Gold Band during the 1980s.
Donna Jean remarried bassist David MacKay, relocated back to Florence, Alabama, and continued recording at Muscle Shoals. Over the subsequent decades, she released music with the Donna Jean Band and Donna Jean and the Tricksters, maintaining a lasting presence in the music scene.
Godchaux-MacKay is survived by her husband David MacKay; her son Kinsman MacKay and his wife Molly; her son Zion Godchaux and his son Delta; her sister Gogi Clark; and her brother Ivan Thatcher.
More details will be shared as they become available.
https://variety.com/2025/music/news/donna-jean-godchaux-mackay-dead-vocalist-the-grateful-dead-1236568488/