HITMAKER Gary Wright has died at age 80, his family announced Monday.
The Dream Weaver singer passed away at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California, after battling Parkinson’s and dementia for years, his son, Justin, announced.
The Spooky Tooth star was surrounded by his family at the time of death, according to TMZ.
Many are taking to social media to mourn the musician, including singer and songwriter Stephen Bishop, who wrote in part on X, formerly known as Twitter: “It is with great sadness that I received the news of my dear friend Gary Wright’s passing.”
He continued: “Gary’s vibrant personality and exceptional talent made every moment together truly enjoyable. His legacy will live on for many years to come.
“I will always cherish the warmth and kindness shown to me by Gary and his wife Rose, and I will forever hold dear the stories he shared with me about days gone by.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”
Read our Gary Wright blog for the latest updates…
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Gary Wright’s most streamed songs
Gary Wright had a successful musical career that spanned many years.
Below are some of his most streamed songs on the popular music streaming app Spotify.
- Close to You (618,664 streams)
- Let Out (941,924 streams)
- Really Want To Know You (3,150,534 streams)
- Love is Alive (15,022,890 streams)
- Dream Weaver (38,508,399 streams)
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Gary Wright pictured
The Dream Weaver singer is dead at the age of 80 after a long battle with Parkinson’s and Dementia.
Gary WrightCredit: Getty 
Singer and songwriter Gary Wright poses for a portrait circa 1975Credit: Getty -
Tributes continue to flood in
Gary Wright fans are flooding to X, formerly known as Twitter to remember the late Dream Weaver singer.
One fan wrote: “RIP Gary Wright. 80 years young. “Dream Weaver” and “Love is Alive” will always be favorites.”
Another fan wrote: “One of my first album purchases was Gary Wright’s “Dream Weaver” in 1975. Thanks for the tunes, sir. RIP.”
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Musician played with former Beatles member
In more recent years of his life, Gary Wright played music with the group Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, whose members often change.
Members of this group play with the drummer from The Beatles, Ringo Starr.
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Gary Wright rose to fame in the 1970s
Gary Wright was a musician and composer who grew popular in the mid and late 1970s.
He wrote hits like Dream Weaver and Love is Alive, both of which came out in 1976.
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He can be credited for making the synthesizer a leading instrument in rock and pop music.
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Fans mourn singer
Gary’s fans on social media have already flooded the internet with messages of mourning.
One said: “The first concert I ever went to was Gary Wright and Roxy Music. RIP.”
Another said: “And now RIP Gary Wright. Great musician. Always dug this one,” and they linked the song Dream Weaver.
A third said: “Wow… Jimmy Buffet… Gary Wright… I must be getting too old… RIP.”
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Stephen Bishop shares tribute
Singer/songwriter Stephen Bishop shared a heartwarming message and photos of Gary on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He wrote: “It is with great sadness that I received the news of my dear friend Gary Wright’s passing.
“The attached photos hold precious memories from the very first and last time we shared the stage together, alongside our mutual musical pal John Ford Coley.
“Gary’s vibrant personality and exceptional talent made every moment together truly enjoyable. His legacy will live on for many years to come.”
He continued: “I will always cherish the warmth and kindness shown to me by Gary and his wife Rose, and I will forever hold dear the stories he shared with me about days gone by.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”
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Dream Weaver singer battled Parkinson’s
Gary Wright battled Parkinson’s for about five or six years before being diagnosed with dementia.
His Parkinson’s rapidly progressed over the last year, and he lost the ability to move or speak, according to his son.
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Son announced the singer’s death
His son, Justin, announced that his father died in his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California.
TMZ reported that the nurses who were working with Gary warned the family that his time was coming to an end.
The composer was surrounded by his family at his time of death.
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Gary Wright dead at 80
Dream Weaver singer Gary Wright has died after battling with Parkinson’s and dementia for several years.
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