Gary Wright dead at 80: The Dream Weaver singer’s family announce his death after his silent battle with Parkinson’s and dementia
GARY Wright passed away after a multi-year battle with Parkinson’s and dementia.
His son Justin announced that his father died at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California.
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He battled Parkinson’s for about five or six years before being diagnosed with dementia.
His Parkinson’s disease has progressed rapidly over the past year and he has lost the ability to move or speak, his son said.
TMZ reported that the nurses who worked with Gary warned the family that his time was running out.
The composer was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.
A MESSAGE FROM A FRIEND
Singer/songwriter Stephen Bishop shared a heartwarming message and photos of Gary on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He wrote: “It is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of my dear friend Gary Wright.
The attached photos contain precious memories of the first and last time we shared the stage with our mutual musical pal, John Ford Coley.
Gary’s vibrant personality and exceptional talent made every moment we shared truly enjoyable. His legacy will live on for many years to come.”
He continued, “I will always appreciate the warmth and kindness that Gary and his wife Rose have shown me, and I will always remember the stories he told me about days gone by.”
“My sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans at this difficult time.”
HIS LEGACY
Gary was a musician and composer who rose to popularity in the mid and late 1970s.
He wrote hits like “Dream Weaver” and “Love is Alive,” both released in 1976.
It is thanks to him that he made the synthesizer a leading instrument in rock and pop music.
More recently he has played with the group Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, whose members change frequently.
Members of this group played with Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
FANS REMEMBER
Gary’s fans have already flooded the internet with messages of sorrow on social media.
One said: “The first concert I ever went to was Gary Wright and Roxy Music. RIP.”
Another said: “Now RIP Gary Wright. Great musician. I’ve always liked that,” and they linked the song Dream Weaver.
A third said: “Wow…Jimmy Buffet…Gary Wright…I must be getting too old…RIP.”
Someone said, “He made great music! RIP Gary Wright.”
A fifth said: “RIP #GARY WRIGHT. Dead at 80. Dream Weaver I think you can get me through the night.”
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