The Chicks Share Their Grief After Death of Founding Member
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NEW YORK - MAY 08: Emily Robison, Natalie Maines and Martie Maguire of the Dixie Chicks attend the celebration for Time Magazine's 100 Most Infuential People issue at Jazz at Lincoln Center May 8, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)
The Chicks are mourning one of their own.
On Saturday, Dec. 23, musicians Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer took to Instagram to pay tribute to late Dixie Chicks—later renamed The Chicks—member Laura Lynch, who passed away at age 65 following a car accident.
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Laura Lynch, a founding member of The Chicks," the statement noted alongside footage of Lynch performing on stage. "We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing and traveling together."
As the trio continued, they remembered Lynch as a "bright light," who had an "infectious energy and humor."
"Laura had a gift for design, a love of all things Texas and was instrumental in the early success of the band," they added. "Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this sad time."
Many fans and friends have since responded to The Chicks' loving note with condolences. Sheryl Crow shared in the comments, "Feeling your sadness. 💔."
Another chimed in with, "Oh no! I always loved her voice. Rest in peace."
Per TMZ, the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed on Saturday that Lynch died in a car accident outside of El Paso, Texas. It's said Lynch's car was hit head-on, killing her at the scene of the incident.
Lynch is best known for co-founding The Dixie Chicks in 1989 with Strayer, Maguire and Robin Lynn Macy. She played the upright bass and sang lead vocals for a bit before exiting the group in 1992. She was later replaced by Maines.
Lynch is reportedly survived by her husband, Mac Tull, and their daughter.
