The Chicks Mourn Tragic Death Of Founding Member Laura Lynch
The country and western world lost a major star with the death of Laura Lynch, founding member of The Chicks, formerly The Dixie Chicks. TMZ reported that the musician tragically died in a car crash in Texas on December 22, at age 65.
According to a Texas Department of Safety report obtained by HuffPost, a car was overtaking another on a two-way undivided portion of a highway when it smashed head-on into Lynch's vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene while the other driver was rushed to hospital in a critical state.
Lynch's fellow Chicks shared their grief in an Instagram tribute. "We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing, and traveling together," they captioned a video of Lynch on stage. "Laura was a bright light...her infectious energy and humor gave a spark to the early days of our band." They added, "Laura had a gift for design, a love of all things Texas and was instrumental in the early success of the band. Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West."
Laura Lynch valued her time with The Chicks
Lynch led an incredible life up to her tragic end, acting as the co-founder of The Dixie Chicks, who changed their name to The Chicks in 2020. She formed the group in 1989 with fellow musicians Robin Lynn Macy, Martie Erwin, and Emily Erwin. Billboard notes she originally played bass guitar but progressed to lead singer. Lynch recorded three albums during her time with The Chicks, "Thank Heavens for Dale Evans," "Little Ol' Cowgirl" and "Shouldn't a Told You That." She parted ways with the band in 1992, and Natalie Maines stepped into her shoes.
Lynch's reason for leaving The Chicks is unknown, telling the Plainview Herald in 2003 she had agreed with band members never to discuss the circumstances of her departure. However, she admitted that she was deeply hurt when she was replaced by Maines, who became a hugely controversial figure when she slammed President George W. Bush over the Iraq war. Despite it all, Lynch treasured her time with the band. "It was worth it," she told The Herald. "I'd get anemic all over again to do it."
Following the news of Lynch's death, country fans took to social media to pay tribute. "Breaks my heart to learn of this," one fan wrote. "Laura, Emily, and Laura were the most personable young ladies. There was no denying their stage presence and talent," they continued. Another commented that Laura seemed like "she was the happiest, kindest person."