Gary Wright, ‘Dream Weaver’ singer, dead aged 80

The ‘Love Is Alive’ singer was previously diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia

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Gary Wright has died aged 80.

The “Dream Weaver” musician died after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. TMZ first reported the newswhich was also shared by Wright’s friends.

The composer’s son, Justin Wright, said his father died at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California, on Monday morning, September 4. The news came about six years after the “Love Is Alive” singer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and not long after, with dementia.

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Justin told the outlet that as Gary’s Parkinson’s progressed, his father became unable to perform daily tasks such as moving around on his own or speaking. He died with his loved ones by his side.

Elizabeth Freund, a representative for Wright, told PEOPLE in a statement how she “first met Gary Wright in 2008 when he joined Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band, and worked with him on a number of projects over the following years . He was a phenomenal musician and a truly peaceful and loving person. The word devoted comes to mind.”

“Very kind and very spiritual. I was always struck by his deep and abiding love for his beloved wife Rose, who I think of now. Your Love Is Alive – now and always Gary,” Freund continued in a statement. “Thank you for the music Dream Weaver. Sending his family peace and love. RIP #garywright #ringostarrandhisallstarrband #peaceandlove.”

Gary’s industry peers confirmed his death on social media and shared their condolences.

Ambrosia co-founder David Pack shared a heartfelt message on Facebook in memory of his deceased friend.

“Farewell Gary Wright. With a heavy sigh I sadly send my love to Gary’s wife, Rose, Gary’s son, Dorian Wright, and extended family. My friend Gary Wright ascended to heaven,” Pack wrote.

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Pack included a photo of the two smiling on stage as he played guitar while Gary appeared to clap his hands to the music.

Pack said he had been a fan of Gary since his days as a member of English rock band Spooky Tooth. “He was a legend with his breakthrough hit dream Weaver and my love is alive, as well as playing keyboards on every George Harrison solo album. I truly believe Gary is in heaven and that he and George are already working on new music,” Pack wrote.

The “Holdin’ on to Yesterday” musician ended his post by sharing fond memories of their time together, noting that the two were neighbors at one point.

“He went to my house with a bag of fresh tomatoes from his garden wearing his garden hat. It’s the real Gary, a smile on his face who wants to share with his neighbor. That’s the spirit that wrote the classic songs,” added Pack.

Stephen Bishop also paid his respects to the star.

“It is with great sadness that I received the news of the death of my dear friend Gary Wright,” Bishop tweeted on Twitternow known as X.

His broadcast included two photographs of himself smiling with Gary “from the very first and last time we shared the stage together, along with our mutual musical friend John Ford Coley.”

The “Bowling in Paris” singer spoke highly of Gary, remembering the entertainer as someone whose “vibrant personality and exceptional talent made every moment together truly enjoyable.”

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“His legacy will live on for many years to come. I will always cherish the warmth and kindness that Gary and his wife Rose have shown me, and I will forever cherish the stories he shared with me of days gone by, Bishop said.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and fans at this difficult time,” he added.

Before making his mark in music, Gary was a child actor who then went on to Broadway. After starring in the musical Fannyhe studied medicine and then psychology in New York and Berlin.

In addition to Spooky Tooth, he was also briefly a member of Wonderwheel in the early 1970s and the multi-member supergroup Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band. He contributed to many of the solo albums by the late Beatle George Harrisonbelow All things must pass and In the seventh heaven.

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