Peter Yarrow, who was popular for his stint with the folk music trio Peter, Paul & Mary, has passed away at the age of 86. Known for releasing hits like “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “500 Miles,” and more with the group, he was also known for his political activism.
Peter Yarrow cause of death explained
According to The New York Times, Ken Sunshine, Peter Yarrow’s representative, confirmed his death to the outlet. He revealed that the singer was surrounded by his family in New York when he passed away on January 7, 2025, after battling bladder cancer for four years.
Yarrow’s daughter, Bethany released a statement on her father’s death which was shared by Variety. In the note, Bethany described Yarrow as a “generous, creative, passionate, playful, and wise” human being.
She further addressed Yarrow’s fans in her note, writing, “Please don’t stop believing in magic dragons. Hope dies when we stop believing, stop caring, and stop singing.” The statement further reads, “He may have been a dyed-in-the-wool progressive, but his passion and music touched people of all ages and political stripes around the world.”
Yarrow teamed up with Mary Travers and Paul Stookey in 1961 to form the group, Peter, Paul, and Mary. Following the release of several hits and collaborations with artists like Bob Dylan, the trio became a part of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. The group parted ways in 1970 but later got back in 1981 until one of their members, Travers, passed away in 2009.
After Yarrow’s death, his former bandmate Stookey also paid tribute to him in a letter. He described Yarrow as a “brother” and stated that he played the roles of both a younger and older brother to him. “Peter was both of the brothers I never had… and I shall deeply miss both of him.”
The singer is survived by his son Christopher, daughter Bethany, and wife Mary Beth McCarthy.
Originally reported by Ishita Verma on ComingSoon.
