Peter Yarrow, the acclaimed singer-songwriter from the folk ensemble Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away at the age of 86 following a struggle with bladder cancer.
The Grammy Award-winning artist died on Tuesday, January 7, at his residence in New York City, as reported by People.
According to an online statement shared by his children, Christopher and Bethany Yarrow, on December 4, 2024, the musician had been enduring cancer “for some time.”
“His perseverance has astonished his doctors, as he continued to perform and live life in his characteristically generous and cause-driven manner,” the pair conveyed via Instagram. “It has been a lengthy journey and he has shown immense strength, but at this point, he is quite frail, and, at 86, it seems his remaining time is limited.”
They requested friends and family to send “written stories, videos, or audio messages,” which will serve as a living tribute highlighting how “Peter’s compassion, music, steadfast social activism, and kind heart have affected their lives in both significant and small ways.”
“There exists Peter Yarrow the folk activist legend, and then there is Peter Yarrow the person, a deeply compassionate individual who profoundly influenced many lives in personal ways,” they continued. “These words and contributions transcend mere stories – they constitute his genuine legacy that will persist long after his passing. 'Puff the Magic Dragon' is timeless.”
Hulton Archive/Getty Images Peter is renowned for being a member of the folk music trio, Peter, Paul, and Mary, established in 1961. The group was celebrated for their politically engaged songs such as “Day is Done,” “Light One Candle,” and “Puff, the Magic Dragon.” Moreover, they performed a rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” during the historic 1963 March on Washington orchestrated by Martin Luther King, Jr. Throughout their career, the group achieved six Top 10 hits, garnered five Grammy awards, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
"Peter has dedicated his time and talent to many causes: equal rights, peace, environmental issues, gender equality, homelessness, hospice care, public broadcasting, and education.
His biography notes, “He has been both a talented performer and an adept organizer. During the time when the Civil Rights Movement combined efforts with the Peace/Anti-Vietnam War Movement, Peter organized numerous major events, including peace concerts at Madison Square Garden and Shea Stadium, featuring dozens of artists.”
In 1996, he founded the Save One Child fund, providing complimentary interventional radiological neurosurgical treatments for children. In 1999, he additionally established the anti-bullying educational nonprofit organization, Operation Respect.
His website highlights his work with children by stating, “Peter’s accomplishments have provided him with the expertise and knowledge necessary to address what he perceives as his most significant and ambitious project to date. Peter regards the education of children’s social and emotional development to be as crucial as their intellectual and academic education.”
Peter is survived by his spouse, Marybeth McCarthy, whom he originally married in 1969 and remarried in 2022, as well as by his son Christopher, daughter Bethany, and granddaughter.