R.I.P. Peter Tork: The Monkees bassist passes away, aged 77

Peter Tork passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, February 21, in Connecticut. Famed for work as the bassist and keyboardist for The Monkees, Tork also contributed to George Harrison's soundtrack to the film Wonderwall in 1968, and produced his own solo album, Stranger Things Have Happened, in 1994.

His family have released the following statement on his website:

"We are all saddened to share the news that Peter Thorkelson -- friend, father, husband, grandfather, philosopher, goofball, entertainer -- died peacefully this morning at a family home in Connecticut. Peter succumbed to a 10 year bout with adinoid cystic carcenoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Peter’s energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him. Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage.

"We are all still raw, and still have much to process, but we are also feeling appreciation for Peter’s contributions. We are grateful that we have an extended support network thanks to the attentive energy and dedication of Peter’s fans worldwide. We want those fans to know with absolute certainty that your spirit and goodwill fed Peter with continued energy and force (and of course humor)."

Several of Tork's famous friends and colleagues, including Brian Wilson, Carole King, Micky Dolenz, and Paul Stanley, have also shared tributes in the wake of his death.

R.I.P. Peter Tork https://t.co/7MupqRioKa

— Carole King (@Carole_King) February 21, 2019

There are no words right now...heart broken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork. #petertork #themonkees @TorkTweet pic.twitter.com/C8SwoA8pEV

— Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) February 21, 2019

RIP PETER TORK. A musician and member of the Monkees. We all watched this upbeat weekly homage to the Beatles. Condolences to his family. https://t.co/H5tG7JDTrz

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) February 21, 2019