Who is Jan Dance? Crosby, Stills & Nash founder David Crosby’s wife of 36 years was by his side when he died
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Singer-songwriter David Crosby died at age of 81. He was a founding member of two popular and enormously influential ’60s rock units - the Byrds, and Crosby, Stills & Nash (later Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young). The tragic news was confirmed by Crosby's wife Jan Dance. She said in a public statement, "It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django."
The 81-year-old star who got his first number-one hit in April 1965 first met his wife 36 years ago while she was working in a recording studio as a receptionist. In his autobiography titled 'Long Time Gone', Crosby details meeting his wife whom he loved. The 'For What It's Worth' singer wrote, "In Florida, I had the opportunity to meet Jan Dance, which turned out to be one of the smartest things I ever did. She was an incredibly vivacious, funny, bright, smiley human being and I fell in love with her." The singer, totally smitten by his wife at the time, continued, "I fall in love with her probably two, three times a day nowadays." Crosby mentioned that it was Jan who planted the idea of starting a band. He wrote, "Jan told me, 'You should put your own band together and you should play your own tours; you should make your own record.' She told me straight out that if I could go out and prove my own worth, others would see it."
READ MORE
How did CJ Harris die? 2014 'American Idol' star, 31, dies after being rushed to the hospital
How did Maxi Jazz die? 'Faithless' band pays tribute to lead singer and rapper who died aged 65
Who is Jan Dance?
Crosby and Jan first met when the artist found himself in the hallways of Criteria Studios located in North Miami, Florida. Jan, working as a receptionist at the time, was impressed by Crosby's artistic approach and charisma but realized that he has a girlfriend. While she tried to steer clear, Crosby had already found himself falling in love with her. Two years after meeting in 1965, the couple tied the knot on May 16, 1987, at the Hollywood Church of Religious Science on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.
The two have a son named Django, who was also by Crosby's side at the time of his death. Jan further wrote in the public statement, "Although he (David Crosby) is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers."