Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Grateful Dead’s 70s Vocalist, Dies at 78
Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, the notable vocalist for the Grateful Dead during the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 78. She died on November 2, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Legacy and Contributions to Music
Born as Donna Jean Thatcher in Florence, Alabama, she initially made her mark as a session singer. Her talents were featured in major hits such as Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” and Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds.”
In California, Donna met pianist Keith Godchaux, eventually marrying him. Their encounter with Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead led to her joining the band. She contributed her powerful voice to the group from 1971 to 1979, during which they toured extensively across America, Europe, and even Egypt.
Personal Life
After her husband Keith tragically passed away in a car accident, Donna remarried in 1981 to David MacKay. They returned to Muscle Shoals, where she continued to make music with the Donna Jean Godchaux Band, collaborating with David.
Family and Surviving Relatives
- Husband: David MacKay
- Sons: Kinsman MacKay (and his wife Molly), Zion Godchaux (and his son Delta)
- Siblings: Sister Gogi Clark and brother Ivan Thatcher
Her family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Friends and fans remember her as a kind and vibrant spirit. In the touching words of Robert Hunter, a lyricist for the Grateful Dead, “May the four winds blow her safely home.” An obituary detailing her remarkable achievements will be published soon on Emegypt.
