Peter Yarrow, the revered singer-songwriter and activist known for being a part of the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has passed away at the age of 86, as reported by his representative.

Yarrow died at his New York City residence after a lengthy four-year struggle with bladder cancer, as stated by his publicist Ken Sunshine to YSL News.

His daughter, Bethany, expressed her feelings in a statement saying, “Our courageous dad is now at rest and has started the final chapter of his magnificent life. While the world knows Peter Yarrow as the iconic folk activist, the person behind that legend was just as kind, creative, passionate, playful, and wise as his lyrics reflect.”

Yarrow, together with Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, formed the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary. The emergence of the folk music movement in the early 1960s catapulted their careers, leading to the success of original songs such as “Puff, the Magic Dragon” and “Norman Normal,” both penned by Yarrow and Stookey, alongside beloved Bob Dylan hits like “The Times They Are a-Changin'” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.”

Stookey, the last surviving member of the group, reflected on Yarrow’s influence and the “guidance” he offered through both music and life experiences.

“Being an only child, I had the undivided attention of my parents, but with Peter, Paul and Mary, I gained a brother in Peter Yarrow,” Stookey reminisced in a statement. “He was my best man, and I was his. He was a beloved ‘uncle’ to my three daughters. Despite our geographical differences, our various perspectives only made our friendship and music stronger.”

Although Stookey was five months older than Yarrow, he recalls their relationship fondly, describing Yarrow as “my creative, vibrant, and spontaneous younger brother – yet at the same time, I cherished the wisdom and guidance he generously provided, akin to an older brother.” He added, “Peter was politically aware and emotionally sensitive, perhaps embodying both of the brothers I never had … and I will greatly miss both aspects of him.”

After disbanding in 1970 to focus on individual careers, the trio reunited throughout the following decades until Travers passed away in 2009.

In lieu of flowers, Yarrow’s daughter has asked for donations to be made to his anti-bullying initiative, Operation Respect. A memorial service will be scheduled and announced later, according to Sunshine.

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