Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, who sang with the Grateful Dead in 1970s and also appeared on a number of hit records in the 1960s, died Nov. 2. She was 78.

The vocalist — whom Deadheads simply refer to as “Donna Jean” — “passed away surrounded by her family at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tenn., 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.'”

Ms. Godchaux-MacKay is best remembered for her soaring vocal work with the iconic Bay Area band Grateful Dead, touring the U.S., Europe and even Egypt with the band from 1971

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