Justin Cary, the bassist for Sixpence None the Richer, died on Thursday after a brief battle with a stroke, at the age of 50.
Leigh Nash, the band’s frontwoman, announced Cary’s passing on Thursday via social media, expressing, “We truly had an unforgettable time together. Thank you, Justin. We love you forever. Please keep his beloved wife Linda in your thoughts; she is family. No one could replace Justin.”
In a moving tribute posted to Instagram Stories, Nash recalled, “Justin Cary was kind, talented, and one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. Whenever he shared a story, I would pause to listen. I never missed the ending of ‘Kiss Me’ each night because his bass line was a quirky lick that tickled my mind. I’ll never forget the night I broke a sink in a Chilean hotel room at 1 a.m. and he came to my rescue. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known him and to have learned the touring world from someone so extraordinary. I was eager to continue our friendship for many years.”
Cary joined Sixpence None the Richer in 1997, succeeding former bassist J.J. Plasencio. He was part of the band before the release of their self‑titled debut album, which included the hit single “Kiss Me,” a top‑two hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
The band’s 1999 cover of La’s “There She Goes” also charted on the Hot 100. Cary remained a member of the group until his death on Thursday.
According to a GoFundMe page created by Nash to support Cary and his wife Linda, he had suffered a stroke and was in the ICU after two surgeries. The fundraiser shared on Thursday, “Justin passed peacefully this morning, with Linda by his side. Please keep him and his family in your prayers and give them strength during this difficult time.”
On Tuesday, Nash informed fans that Cary had suffered a stroke the previous week. She posted, “Our brother of 30 years — and bassist — Justin suffered a stroke Thursday night. We love our brother dearly; words cannot express it. Many others love him too. He showed brilliance, unmatched professionalism, class, humor, wit, and a toughness that was as solid as an old boot.”
