Dixie Chicks founder member Laura Lynch has died

The sad news last night from Texas is that one of the founder members of The Chicks, Laura Lynch, has died as the result of a car accident. She was 65.

In an official statement, her former bandmates say: “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Laura Lynch. We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing and traveling. Laura was a bright light… her infectious energy and humour gave a spark to the early days of our band.

“Laura had a gift for design, a love of all things Texas and was instrumental in the early success of the band. Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the Mid-West. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this sad time. – Emily, Martie & Natalie.”

Originally known as The Dixie Chicks, the band formed in the late 1980s and released three critically-acclaimed albums - Thank Heavens For Dale Evans, Little Ol’ Cowgirl and Shouldn’t A Told You That.

Commercial lift-off was achieved, though, after Lynch quit the band and was replaced by Natalie Maines who assumed lead vocal duties on 1999's massive Fly album.

Although it wasn't until later that the Chicks assumed their overtly political stance, it was obvious from the start that they weren't willing to play by the standard country music rules.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Lynch was pronounced dead after a head-on collision close to El Paso. The other driver involved is in hospital recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.