Laura Lynch, a founding member of The Chicks - formerly The Dixie Chicks - has died at age 65 following a car accident.
The members of US band The Chicks said they were "shocked and saddened" at Lynch's death.
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed to the PA news agency that Lynch died on Friday after being involved in a two-vehicle collision.
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Laura Lynch, a founding member of The Chicks," the group members wrote in a statement shared to Instagram.
"We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing and travelling together.
"Laura was a bright light ... her infectious energy and humour gave a spark to the early days of our band.
"Laura had a gift for design, a love of all things Texas and was instrumental in the early success of the band.
"Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West.
The Dixie Chicks, Emily Robison, left, Natalie Maines, center, and Martie Maguire arrive for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Source: AP / Matt Sayles
The US band was originally founded as The Dixie Chicks by Martie Maguire, Emily Strayer, Lynch and Robin Lynn Macy.
Macy later left the group and Lynch was replaced by Natalie Maines.
Before Lynch left, the band released three albums - 1990 debut Thank Heavens For Dale Evans, 1992's Little Ol' Cowgirl and 1993's Shouldn't A Told You That.
In 2020, the band members announced they were changing their name to The Chicks.
The word Dixie often refers to the southern states of the US that seceded around 1860 to form the new Confederate States of America.
