His family confirmed to EW that he had died from natural causes on Friday morning.
The Monkeessinger-songwriter and guitarist Michael Nesmith died on Friday morning from natural causes.
He was 78 years old.
Mike Nesmith of The Monkees.
Nesmith contributed some songs he’d written with producers to the mix of bops the band would perform.
The Monkeestelevision series aired on NBC in 1966, the same year the band scored No.
1 hits with “I’m a Believer” and “Last Train to Clarksville.”
The Monkees in their ’60s prime.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
In 1968, Nesmith recorded his first solo album,Wichita Train Whistle Songs.
Nesmith departed the Monkees in 1969 and started his own group, the First National Band.
The group released two albums in 1970:Magnetic SouthandLoose Salute.
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
I’ve lost a dear friend and partner.
I’ll miss it all so much.
Rest in peace, Nez."
Mike Nesmith of The Monkees.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
The band’s manager, Andrew Sandoval, also shared aheartfelt tribute to the singer on Facebook.
“It is with deep sadness that I mark the passing of Michael Nesmith,” he wrote.
He continued, “That tour was a true blessing for so many.
“Nez expressed the highest part of his being through his voice.
And you could get no closer to him then through knowing his work.
The singer/songwriter was hospitalized in 2018, diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery.
He was forced to postpone a tour with his Monkees bandmate Micky Dolenz as a result.
