Grateful Dead singer Donna Jean Godchaux, who sang for Elvis, has died

Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay , who sang with the Grateful Dead in 1970s as well as appeared on a number of hit records in the ’60s, has died at the age of 78.

The vocalist — who Deadheads simply refer to as “Donna Jean” — “passed away surrounded by her family on November 2, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Nashville after a lengthy struggle with cancer,” according to a news release.

“She was a sweet and warmly beautiful spirit, and all those who knew her are united in loss,” the release continues. “The family requests privacy at this time of grieving. In the words of Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, ‘May the four winds blow her safely home.'”

Godchaux-MacKay is best remembered for her soaring vocal work with the Bay Area’s own Grateful Dead , touring the U.S., Europe and even Egypt with the b