The music world is mourning the loss of Justin Cary, the longtime and beloved bassist for the alternative pop-rock band Sixpence None the Richer. Cary died peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the age of 50 from complications of a massive stroke.
The musician suffered a stroke the previous week and was taken to the intensive care unit at Albany Medical Center in New York, according to updates on a GoFundMe page set up to support Cary and his wife, Linda. After undergoing two surgeries and being placed on a respirator, Cary died with his wife by his side.
Brother-in-Arms
Following the heartbreaking news, Cary’s longtime bandmates took to social media and public platforms to express their grief and pay tribute to a man they described as far more than a world-class performer.
Sixpence None the Richer lead singer Leigh Nash shared a heartfelt message reflecting on their close personal bond.
“We had an amazing time is an understatement. Thanks, Justin,” Nash wrote. “We will always love you. Cherish his beloved Linda in your hearts. She is of our kin. There’s never been anyone like Justin.”
Before his death, Nash had been a vocal supporter of Cary’s medical fund, praising his “brilliance, second-to-none professionalism, class, humor, and wit.”
Guitarist and band co-founder Matt Slocum also released an emotional statement describing the deep sense of loss felt by the entire band.
“We are all heartbroken beyond words… and the level of our grief is a measure of the level of our love for this wonderful man who was our bandmate, brother-in-arms, and friend for 30 years,” Slocum wrote. “The last three years have been a whirlwind of international tours, new music, and an even deeper love and joy for making music together… we were planning on 30 more years. Such a tragedy and too soon a loss. Let’s raise a glass to our dear friend and wonderful musician, Justin Cary. Cheers, amigo, see you on the other side.”
Three Decades of Pop-Rock Success
Sixpence None the Richer formed in 1992, and Cary officially joined the band in 1997. His arrival coincided with the release of the band’s breakout self-titled studio album.
The album’s signature track, “Kiss Me,” climbed the worldwide charts, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 with the help of Cary’s reliable, melodic basslines. The song’s monumental success also earned the group a prestigious 2000 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Cary was a cornerstone of Sixpence None the Richer and an incredibly versatile, highly sought-after session musician. Over his prolific 30-year career, his distinctive musicality and technical skill led him to collaborate and perform with a wide range of prominent acts, including alternative rock band Counting Crows, contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Jennifer Knapp, and country music star Lee Brice.
Cary leaves behind a musical legacy that helped define an era of pop culture, as well as a community of friends, family, and fans who will remember him as much for his artistic brilliance as for his kind and humorous spirit.
