Laura Lynch, a founding member of the Dixie Chicks, has died. She was 65.
Lynch died in a car crash in West Texas on Friday evening, her cousin Michael Lynch told CBS News.
Bass player Lynch founded the Dixie Chicks — now officially known as the Chicks — with Robin Lynn Macy and sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer (née Erwin) in 1989. Lynch and Macy shared lead vocal duties until Macy’s departure in 1993.
The group recorded three albums together: “Thank Heavens for Dale Evans” (1990), “Little Ol’ Cowgirl” (1992) and “Shouldn’t a Told You That” (1993), for which Lynch covered all lead vocals. Lynch eventually left and was replaced by Natalie Maines.
In June 2020, the country music band shortened its name to “the Chicks” in response to public discussions about the appropriateness of the term “Dixie,” which has often been associated with the slavery era.
Chicks members Maines, Strayer and Maguire issued a joint statement on Lynch’s death: “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Laura Lynch, a founding member of The Chicks. We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing and traveling together. Laura was a bright light…her infectious energy and humor gave a spark to the early days of our band. Laura had a gift for design, a love of all things Texas and was instrumental in the early success of the band. Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West.”
(Pictured: Laura Lynch, center)