The longtime bassist for 90s band Sixpence None the Richer, Justin Cary, has died at the age of 50. Sixpence None the Richer's lead singer Leigh Nash shared the news with fans, revealing that the band had set up a GoFundMe to support the bassist's wife, Linda, and their family.
"'We sure had a great time' is an understatement. Thank you, Justin. We love you forever," Leigh shared on Instagram alongside a carousel of pictures of the band taken in the 1990s.
"Please keep his dear Linda close to your hearts. She is our family. There’s never been anybody like Justin."
© NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal viaJustin died on June 18, 2026, after recently suffering from a "serious stroke" that left him requiring care at Albany Medical Center in New York.
"Justin passed peacefully this morning and Linda was next to him," read a statement posted to the GoFundMe. "Please continue to pray and give strength during this very difficult time."
"This beautiful soul passed away peacefully this morning with soft music playing and me next to him. What an honor to be his wife and best friend," shared his wife, Linda.
A statement posted earlier in the week before his death revealed that he had been admitted to ICU and had undergone two surgeries and was on a respirator after a stroke on June 11.
"Linda is right next to his bed, reading to him and hopeful he hears her. She is also telling him how much he is loved," continued the note.
© Getty Images"We love our brother so so much. Words don’t cover it. I know so many out there love him too," Leigh previously shared before news of his death was announced.
"Saw his brilliance, second to NONE professionalism, class, humor (oh my lord the humor) wit, tough as an old boot as they say. Many more adjectives to describe him. Please pray for Justin and Linda."
© Leigh NashSixpence None the Richer was a Christian alt-music band, formed in 1992. Justin joined the band in 1997, and the following year, they released their hit single "Kiss Me," one of the defining songs of the decade.
A year later, it became the theme song of the teen romantic comedy film She's All That, which led to the song becoming a global smash.
"Kiss Me" was nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the Grammys.
Over the years, Justin had also toured with artists including the Counting Crows, Jennifer Knapp, and Lee Brice, as well as Taylor Swift, who has been vocal about "Kiss Me" being the first song she ever learned to play on guitar.
He told People magazine in 2024 that when touring with Taylor, he didn’t tell her he was a member of Sixpence None the Richer.
"She was super sweet," he said, adding: "I probably should have mentioned it, because she probably would've made a big deal of it."
