Bob Weir’s Funeral Update: His Wife & Children Break Down in Tears

The music world has been rocked by the passing of Bob Weir, the legendary co-founder of the Grateful Dead, who left behind not just a remarkable songbook but also a profound family legacy.

At the age of 78, Weir succumbed to underlying lung issues after a courageous battle with cancer, as revealed in a heartfelt statement shared on his Instagram account.

The statement emphasized that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, leaving a void that will be felt deeply by many.

His family remembered him as a guiding force whose music felt like warm sunlight, filling the soul and creating a sense of family that generations of Deadheads still carry with them.

Behind the iconic musician was his wife, Natasha Ma, whom he married on July 15, 1999, in Mill Valley, California.

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Natasha comes from a family deeply rooted in health and wellness; her mother was a hypertension nurse at the Mayo Clinic, and her father, a neurologist, co-founded the department of neurology at the Mayo Clinic’s Phoenix branch.

This strong focus on health surrounded Bob during his later years as he navigated serious illness.

The family circle also includes Natasha’s sister, Leilani Ma, a former ARA race car driver known for advocating for marginalized groups and environmental causes.

Bob and Natasha raised two daughters, each carving out her own creative path.

Khloe Kelly Weir, a talented photographer, grew up on the road, first picking up a Polaroid camera at the tender age of seven while touring with her father.

She later trained under renowned music photographer Jay Blakesburg and has since documented the journeys of various artists, including Willie Nelson, Lucas Nelson, Billy Strings, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Sturgill Simpson, and even her father with Wolf Bros.

Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder and rhythm guitarist, dead at 78 | Reuters

In many ways, Khloe has become the visual archivist of the world her father helped build, capturing moments that resonate with fans and followers alike.

Her sister, Shala Monet Weir, is making her mark in the acting world, with credits in upcoming films such as “Bully High” (2022), “Everything is Melting” (2024), and “Portal to Hell” (2025).

While finishing her degree at Chapman University, Shala has expressed plans to move to Los Angeles to focus on acting full-time, further extending the family’s creative legacy.

Bob Weir’s net worth was estimated at around $60 million, a fortune built not only from his work with the Grateful Dead but also from various projects like Kingfish, Rat Dog, Further, and Dead & Company.

He owned several properties in California, including homes in Mill Valley, Stinson Beach, Menlo Park, and a Silver Lake house that he purchased in 2022.

In their emotional statement, Natasha, Khloe, and Shala urged fans to honor Bob not only in sorrow but also by embracing life with open hearts, steady steps, and the music leading them home.

Bob Weir Opens Up About the Death of His Father

This sentiment captures the essence of Weir’s legacy—one that transcends mere musical notes and lyrics.

For many, Bob Weir’s legacy is about family, community, and songs designed to outlive him for centuries to come.

As the world reflects on the impact of his life and music, it is clear that his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those who were touched by his artistry.

The Grateful Dead was more than just a band; it was a family, and Bob Weir was at the heart of that family, guiding them through life with his music and love.

As fans gather to commemorate his life, they do so with a shared understanding that while Bob may be gone, his music and the love he fostered will never fade away.