Gary Wright has died at the age of 80.
The “Dream Weaver” musician died after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. TMZ first reported the news, which was also shared by Wright’s friends.
The composer’s son, Justin Wright, said his father died on Monday morning, September 4, at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California. The news came about six years after the “Love Is Alive” singer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and long-term dementia.
Gary Wright in 1978.
kpa/United Archives via Getty
Justin told the outlet that as Parkinson’s disease progressed, Gary’s father became unable to perform everyday tasks such as moving or speaking independently. He died in the presence of his loved ones.
Elizabeth Freund, a representative for Wright, told PEOPLE in a statement how she “first met Gary Wright in 2008 when he joined Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band and worked with him on numerous projects in the years that followed.” He was a phenomenal musician and…” a truly peaceful and loving person. The word ‘devoted’ comes to mind.”
“Very friendly and very spiritual. I was always struck by his deep and abiding love for his beloved wife, Rose, who I think of now. “Your Love Is Alive – now and always Gary,” Freund continued in a statement. “Thanks for the music, Dream Weaver.” Sending peace and love to his family. RIP #garywright #ringostarrandhisallstarrband #peaceandlove.”
Gary’s industry colleagues confirmed his death on social media and expressed their condolences.
Ambrosia co-founder David Pack shared a heartfelt message on Facebook in memory of his late friend.
“Goodbye, Gary Wright. With a heavy sigh, I sadly send my love to Gary’s wife Rose, Gary’s son Dorian Wright and his extended family. “My friend Gary Wright has ascended to heaven,” Pack wrote.
Gary Wright in August 2011.
Larry Marano/Getty
The package included a photo of the two smiling on stage as he played the guitar while Gary appeared to clap his hands to the music.
Pack shared that he has been a fan of Gary since his days as a member of the English rock band Spooky Tooth. “He was a legend with his groundbreaking hits “Dream Weaver and My Love Is Alive” and played keyboards on every George Harrison solo album. “I truly believe Gary is in paradise and he and George are already working on new music,” Pack wrote.
The “Holdin’ on to Yesterday” musician ended his post by sharing fond memories of their time together and noting that the two were once neighbors.
“He walked to my house in his gardening hat with a bag of fresh tomatoes from his garden. This is the real Gary, a smile on his face that he wants to share with his neighbor. This is the spirit that wrote these classic songs,” Pack added.
Stephen Bishop also paid his respects to the star.
“It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of my dear friend Gary Wright,” Bishop said tweeted on Twitternow known as X
His farewell included two photos of him smiling with Gary “from the very first and last time we were on stage together, along with our mutual musical buddy John Ford Coley.”
The “Bowling in Paris” singer praised Gary, remembering the entertainer as someone whose “vibrant personality and extraordinary talent made every moment together truly enjoyable.”
Gary Wright in 1977.
Michael Putland/Getty
Never miss a story again — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“His legacy will live on for many years to come. I will always cherish the warmth and kindness that Gary and his wife Rose showed me and the stories he told me about days gone by will remain with me forever,” said Bishop.
“My sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time,” he added.
Before cementing his influence in music, Gary was a child actor who then went on to Broadway. After starring in the musical Fanny, he studied medicine and then psychology in New York and Berlin.
In addition to Spooky Tooth, he was also briefly a member of Wonderwheel and the multi-member supergroup Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band in the early 1970s. He contributed to many of the late Beatle George Harrison’s solo albums, including “All Things Must Pass” and “Cloud Nine.”