It was a sad day for the music industry when the death of Mark Volman was announced on September 5. He was 78. Volman was a founding member of the ’60s rock group The Turtles.
Mark Volman Remained Positive Until the End
His ex-wife Emily Volman made a loving statement about the late musician upon his passing, revealing his happy demeanor and positive outlook on life. “He had a perspective of abundance always,” she told People on September 5. Despite their divorce, Mark and Emily had remained close, and she had helped with his care.
“Having to stay home was devastating,” Emily revealed when Volman had to stop touring earlier this year because of his health. “He loved doing what he did. He loved being on stage. He loved just being with his people. And when I say his people, I meant everybody.”
When Volman’s death was announced, it was revealed that he suffered from a “brief, unexpected illness,” his rep told People. He died in a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.
Emily told People that Volman had been hospitalized around a week before his passing. “A doctor told me that every time anyone came in, he had the biggest smile — even when they were coming to poke him with a needle,” she said. “He knew how to work a room. He never lost his playfulness.”
Mark Volman’s Lewy Body Dementia Diagnosis
The “Happy Together” musician was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD) in 2020. The progressive brain disorder can manifest in different ways, including causing hallucinations, which Volman experienced. However, his ex-wife Emily revealed that he did not let them disrupt his creative process.
“The Lewy body had hardly progressed at all,” she said, adding that he “almost” used his hallucinations as “a creative influence!” She continued, “Cognitively, he was so sharp. He was just so funny still. He would make me laugh all the time. Just a forever performer.”
Fans and loved ones paid tribute to Volman upon his passing. When the news of his death was shared on Billboard’s Instagram post, fans flooded the comment section with condolences. “So grateful I had him as a professor. RIP,” a comment reads.
“Fantastic artist and one of the best professors ever. I took his class at Belmont and I found my textbook he created for the class just the other day. RIP!” another person shared.
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