India, Nov. 3 -- Donna Jean Godchaux, the lead singer of the now disbanded rock band, Grateful Dead (1972 to 1979), has passed away at the age of 78. Donna Jean was married to Keith Godchaux, a former pianist with the Grateful Dead, for 10 years, from 1970 to 1980. They have a son named Zion Godchaux, who is an instrumentalist with the American rock and electronic duo, BoomBox. She later married Dave MacKay.

Donna Jean Godchaux passed away at the Alive Hospice in Nashville on Sunday after a long battle with cancer, her family confirmed.

A statement from the family read: "She was a sweet and warmly beautiful spirit, and all those who knew her are united in loss. The family requests privacy at this time of grieving."

"In the words of Dea...