Justin Cary, the longtime bassist for the beloved alternative rock band Sixpence None the Richer, died on June 18, 2026, after suffering a stroke. He was 50 years old.
Cary’s death sent shockwaves through the music community, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians, and his bandmates of 30 years. The musician had been receiving care at Albany Medical Center in New York, where he underwent two surgeries following what a GoFundMe page described as a serious stroke suffered in mid-June 2026. He remained in the intensive care unit before his death.
Bandmates Share Their Grief
News of Cary’s death was shared through statements from Sixpence None the Richer’s lead singer, Leigh Nash, and guitarist and co-founder Matt Slocum, both of whom expressed profound sorrow over losing someone they had known for 30 years.
Slocum said on June 19 that the band was completely heartbroken and that the depth of their grief reflected the depth of their love for Cary, whom he called their bandmate, brother-in-arms, and friend for three decades. He ended his statement with “Cheers amigo, see you on the other side.”
Nash took to Instagram on June 18 to honor her late bandmate, saying that calling their time together “a great time” was an understatement. She thanked Cary and said the band would love him forever, asking fans to keep his wife, Linda, close in their hearts.
A Career Defined by Dedication
Cary joined Sixpence None the Richer in 1997, arriving at a turning point for the group. That same year, the band released its self-titled album, which included the smash hit “Kiss Me” — a track recorded by his predecessor but one Cary would go on to perform nightly for nearly three decades. The track climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Beyond “Kiss Me,” Sixpence None the Richer charmed audiences worldwide with other standout tracks, including covers of “There She Goes” and “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” each earning the band a devoted following. Cary anchored that success with his bass work, performing on stage and recording in the studio throughout his time with the group.
A Versatile Musician Beyond the Band
Cary’s musical contributions extended well beyond his work with Sixpence None the Richer. Over the course of his career, he collaborated with numerous artists in various settings, working with acts including Counting Crows and Lee Brice. His range demonstrated an adaptability that allowed him to move comfortably between alternative rock, country, and pop contexts.
Those who knew Cary consistently described him as not only a gifted musician but also a warm and reliable presence. Fellow musicians shared tributes recognizing his talent and the lasting impact he had on those around him, testament to a career built on dedication rather than self-promotion.
Justin Cary’s legacy is one of quiet but enduring impact — a musician who never sought the spotlight for himself but whose work appears on some of the most memorable recordings of the past 30 years. From the opening notes of “Kiss Me” to sessions with artists across genres, he gave generously of his talent and earned the respect of everyone he worked with.
Tributes from fellow musicians and fans in the days following his death painted a picture of someone valued not just for his musical ability but for his character. In an industry often defined by ego and competition, Cary stood out as a collaborator, a friend, and a steady presence who made the music better simply by being part of it.
