Pegi Young, 66, died after a year-long fight with breast cancer. She was an activist, philanthropist, musician, mother, and former wife of Neil Young.
Our hearts go out to the rocker and his children, grieving due to the tragic news. Young’s social media was used to make a statement expressing their condolences.
“With great regret, we confirm that on January 1st, after a yearlong fight with cancer, Pegi Young – mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, singer, activist, and co-founder of the Bridge School – passed away surrounded by her friends and family in her native California. We ask that the families’ privacy be respected at this time.”
Pegi was 22 when she met Neil Young, her future husband, while working at a diner. Neil later immortalized their youthful passion in his 1992 song “Unknown Legend” after a whirlwind romance.
After singing backup at Neil Young’s concerts, she launched her solo career in 2007 with her debut self-titled album. She fronted a band called Pegi Young and the Survivors and published five albums.
Pegi began her campaign as an activist and philanthropist in 1986, inspired by the sufferings of her and Neil’s son, Ben, who was born with cerebral palsy. Pegi and Neil co-founded the Bridge School with Jim Forderer and Dr. Marilyn Buzolich, an institution dedicated to assisting children with physical and speech difficulties.
Pegi worked hard until the end of her life to promote awareness and financing for special needs students, producing the annual Bridge School Benefit Concert, which attracted rock luminaries worldwide to play for the school’s students and families.
She left a better world because of her unwavering commitment to raising awareness, understanding, empathy, and compassion.
Pegi Young, you people’s hero, rest in peace.
