Dixie Chicks Founding Member Laura Lynch Dies at 65 in Car Crash
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The Dixie Chicks Lose a Founding Member
Dixie Chicks member Laura Lynch died suddenly at age 65 in a recent car crash. Though she left the hugely successful band in 1999, Lynch was instrumental in forming the band's iconic bluegrass-country-pop sound.
Lynch co-founded The Dixie Chicks in 1989 alongside the Maguire sisters in Dallas, Texas. As bassist, banjoist, dobro player and guitarist, Lynch's exceptional musicianship and songwriting talents helped shape the band's first three albums - including writing smash hits like "I Can Love You Better" and "There’s Your Trouble." Her creativity and warmth shone through her musicality.
After her amicable departure from the Chicks, Lynch focused on raising her daughter away from the limelight. But there is no doubt Lynch's indelible musical genius lives on through the band's unmatched success as the top-selling female group in American history.
While the Chicks continued chart-topping fame with Natalie Maines and sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire, I know they are deeply saddened by losing Laura. Though out of the public eye later on, Lynch made an indelible impact on country music.
Lynch was a once-in-a-lifetime talent who brought immeasurable artistry to the band's early years. I hope she knew how cherished she was by fans. May we remember Laura Lynch by listening to those early Dixie Chicks albums which first blended bluegrass, country and pop so magically - thanks in large part to her. Rest easy, Laura.
What do we know about the accident?
The lives of beloved musician Laura Lynch and an El Paso man will forever be changed after a tragic accident Friday night.
Lynch was reportedly driving home after a visit with friends, looking forward to the upcoming holidays. Witnesses say the other driver, a father of three small children, lost control of his vehicle while passing on the undivided highway.
In more seconds, two paths collided, cutting short the hopes and future moments of Lynch and injuring the El Paso father. Investigators are still piecing together details, but detrimental choices along a darkened stretch of road led to catastrophic consequences.
While fault has not been determined, all accounts suggest this was an unintended tragedy - a reminder of fragility and loss when we least expect it. Both families are likely grappling with indescribable grief, pain and heartache.
Our words cannot mend what has been shattered. We can only stop to mourn those involved as fellow human beings - offering compassion for loved ones navigating unthinkable sorrow during what should be a celebratory season. Perhaps we will reflect more on cherishing each moment and person we are blessed to share this world with.
Who are the Dixie Chicks?
The Dixie Chicks are a massively successful all-female country trio formed in 1989 in Dallas, Texas. The original members were Laura Lynch, Martie Seidel, and Emily Erwin (later Robison). Though Lynch departed the group in 1993 prior to mainstream fame, she was vital in establishing the band in its early days.
Natalie Maines soon joined forces with Seidel and Robison, creating the powerhouse lineup that propelled the Dixie Chicks into mega-stardom in the late 90s and 2000s. Behind hits like "Wide Open Spaces" and "Cowboy Take Me Away", they became multi-platinum artists winning countless awards. While members evolved over the years, the foundation traces to those Dallas origins and Lynch's role spearheading the initial journey of one of history's iconic country girl groups.