In a devastating turn of events, Laura Lynch, a co-founder of the renowned US country music band, the Dixie Chicks, has lost her life at the age of 65 in a car crash.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that the collision occurred near El Paso on Friday, resulting in her untimely demise.
Expressing their profound grief, the current members of the band shared their shock and sorrow in a post on Instagram.
The tragic incident marks the end of an era for the Dixie Chicks, with Lynch’s contributions to the group remembered as a significant part of their musical legacy.
“We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing and travelling together.
“Laura was a bright light…her infectious energy and humour 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,” the band said, adding that their thoughts were with Laura’s “family and loved ones”.
Originally formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1989, the band known as the Dixie Chicks was established by co-founders Laura Lynch, who served as a bassist and later as a vocalist, Robin Lynn Macy, a vocalist and guitarist, and the talented Erwin sisters, Martie and Emily, both multi-instrumentalists.
Their music, a blend of country and bluegrass, was performed at various festivals and venues, with the band also engaging in busking. Lynch, a pivotal member, contributed to the band until 1995, during which time the Dixie Chicks released three albums: “Thank Heavens for Dale Evans,” “Little Ol’ Cowgirl,” and “Shouldn’t a Told You That.”
It wasn’t until 1998, with the release of their album “Wide Open Spaces,” that the band achieved significant commercial success.
In a move reflecting social and cultural sensitivity, the band, three years ago, changed its name to The Chicks.
This decision came in response to criticism that the term “Dixie” carried associations with the history of slavery in the United States.