Sixpence None the Richer’s Bassist Justin Cary Dead at 50

Justin Cary, the bassist for Sixpence None the Richer, died Thursday, days after suffering a stroke. He was 50.

The band’s frontwoman Leigh Nash confirmed Cary’s death Thursday, writing on social media, “‘We sure had a great time’ is an understatement. Thank you, Justin. We love you forever. Please keep his dear [wife] Linda close to your hearts. She is our family. There’s never been anybody like Justin.”

Nash added in a heartfelt tribute shared to Instagram Stories. “Justin Cary was kind, talented, and one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” wrote Nash. “Whenever he had a story, I would stop to listen. I had to be sure to catch the end of ‘Kiss Me’ every night because he did this funky bass lick that tickled my brain so good. One time I broke the sink in my hotel room in Chile and he had to come help me at 1 am. I feel incredibly lucky to have known him and to have learned the touring ropes from someone so extraordinary. I was looking forward to being his friend for a long time.”

Cary had been with Sixpence None the Richer since 1997 after replacing the band’s former bassist, J.J. Plasencio. Cary joined the group before they released their self-titled album featuring their smash single, “Kiss Me,” which reached Number Two on the Billboard Hot 100.

The band’s cover of the La’s “There She Goes” was also a Hot 100 hit in 1999. Cary remained a member of the band until his death Thursday.

In a GoFundMe page shared by Nash raising money for Cary and his wife Linda, a statement read that Cary had suffered a stroke and was in the ICU following two surgeries. “Justin passed peacefully this morning and Linda was next to him please continue to pray and give strength during this very difficult time,” the fundraiser shared Thursday.

On Tuesday, Nash told fans that Cary had suffered a stroke day on the week prior. “Our brother of 30 years (and bassist), Justin had a stroke Thursday night,” she wrote at the time, alongside a photo montage on Instagram. “We love our brother so so much. Words don’t cover it. I know so many out there love him too. Saw his brilliance, second to NONE professionalism, class, humor (oh my lord the humor) wit, tough as an old boot as they say.”