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Michael Nesmith, Monkees Singer-Songwriter, Dead at 78

"With Infinite Love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes."
Mike Nesmith
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Monkees singer, songwriter, and guitarist Michael Nesmith died Friday morning of natural causes at age 78, according to Rolling Stone. Nesmith wrote some of the group’s most notable songs, including “Mary, Mary,” “Circle Sky,” and “Listen to the Band.”

“With Infinite Love, we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes,” his family said in a statement. “We ask that you respect our privacy at this time and we thank you for the love and light that all of you have shown him and us.”

Nesmith was a founding member of the Sixties pop-rock band and co-star of the iconic TV series, The Monkees. Last month, he and fellow Monkees member Micky Dolenz ended a farewell tour in Los Angeles.

“It is with deep sadness that I mark the passing of Michael Nesmith,” Monkees manager Andrew Sandoval wrote on Facebook. “We shared many travels and projects together over the course of 30 years, which culminated in a Monkees farewell tour that wrapped up only a few weeks ago. That tour was a true blessing for so many. And in the end, I know that Michael was at peace with his legacy which included songwriting, producing, acting, direction and so many innovative ideas and concepts. I am positive the brilliance he captured will resonate and offer the love and light towards which he always moved. Nez expressed the highest part of his being through his voice. And you could get no closer to him than through knowing his work. May all those who loved him feel his comfort at this time — just listen and he will be there for you.”

The Monkees originally had reunited in 2012 for a series of reunion tours and their 2016 LP Good Times!

This is a developing story.