Sixpence None the Richer Bassist Justin Cary Passes Away at 50

Justin Cary, the bassist for alt-rock band Sixpence None the Richer, died at age 50 following a serious stroke, according to frontwoman Leigh Nash. Nash confirmed the news on June 18, 2026, noting Cary’s contributions to the band’s hit single “Kiss Me” and his career as a Grammy-nominated musician.

Leigh Nash announced the death via social media on June 18, 2026. She described Cary as “kind, talented, and one of the funniest people” she had ever known. Nash asked fans to support Cary’s wife, Linda, during the grieving process.

Cary’s death followed a period of critical illness. According to a GoFundMe page established days before his passing, Cary had suffered a serious stroke and was receiving treatment at Albany Medical Center in New York. Nash had encouraged supporters to visit the fundraiser earlier in the week to assist her bandmate.

In a post shared prior to his death, Nash referred to Cary as a “brother of 30 years.” She cited his professionalism and wit, describing him as being “tough as an old boot.”

How did Justin Cary contribute to Sixpence None the Richer?

Justin Cary joined Sixpence None the Richer in 1997 after replacing the band’s previous bassist. He entered the lineup before the release of the band’s self-titled album, which produced the global hit “Kiss Me.”

Nash highlighted Cary’s specific technical contribution to the band’s most famous track. She noted that she listened to the end of “Kiss Me” every night to hear a “funky bass lick” performed by Cary.

The song “Kiss Me” maintained long-term relevance through various cultural cycles. It saw a resurgence in 2020 due to its popularity on TikTok and was covered by artist SZA during a 2019 live performance in Florida.

During his tenure with the group, Cary earned professional recognition including a Grammy Award nomination and three Dove Awards. On his personal website, Cary wrote about the impact of these achievements on his trajectory.

As a member of Sixpence None the Richer, I have been fortunate to ride a wave of experience that taught me a lot about the music industry. Sometimes easily, and sometimes the hard way! Along the way, a Grammy Nomination and hit singles kick-started my career as a bassist.
Justin Cary, via official website

Which other artists did Justin Cary work with?

Beyond his work with Sixpence None the Richer, Cary maintained a career as a session and touring bassist for several high-profile artists. According to his professional website, his client list included Counting Crows, Jennifer Knapp, and Lee Brice.

Cary expressed pride in his enduring relationship with Sixpence None the Richer, stating that he continued to collaborate with the band on new recordings and occasional live performances up until his illness.

His career spanned the intersection of mainstream alternative rock and contemporary Christian music, as evidenced by his Dove Award wins. This versatility allowed him to move between the pop charts and specialized genre markets.

What was the cause of Justin Cary’s death?

Justin Cary died as a result of complications from a serious stroke. This medical emergency led to his admission to Albany Medical Center in New York, where he received treatment in the days leading up to June 18, 2026.

The severity of the health crisis prompted the band and Cary’s family to seek financial assistance through a crowdfunding campaign. Nash used her platform to bring attention to the GoFundMe page, emphasizing the deep bond she shared with Cary over three decades.

The music community responded to the news via social media. LegacyTributes posted a memorial on June 19, 2026, listing Cary’s contributions to tracks such as “Breathe Your Name,” “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” and “There She Goes.”