Sixpence None the Richer’s Justin Cary dies following serious stroke at 50

Sixpence None the Richer bassist Justin Cary has died at 50 after suffering a stroke, with bandmates paying tribute

Justin Cary, bassist for the Christian rock and pop band Sixpence None the Richer, has died at the age of 50 after suffering a serious stroke.

Cary passed away on Thursday with his wife, Linda, by his side, according to an update shared through a fundraiser created to support the couple during his medical treatment. He had been receiving care at Albany Medical Center in New York after falling ill the previous week.

“Justin passed peacefully this morning and Linda was next to him,” the fundraiser update said, asking fans to continue sending prayers and support to his family.

The musician suffered a major stroke and underwent two surgeries before being placed in intensive care. Earlier updates revealed that doctors were continuing to treat him while his family faced an uncertain recovery process.

Justin Cary joined Sixpence None the Richer in 1997, the same year the band released its self-titled album featuring their worldwide hit song “Kiss Me.” The track became one of the group’s biggest successes, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2000.

Throughout his career, Cary performed and recorded with several artists across rock, country and Christian music, including Counting Crows, Paul Brandt, Jennifer Knapp and Leigh Nash’s solo projects.

Bandmates and fans have paid tribute to the musician, remembering his contribution to Sixpence None the Richer and his years in the music industry.