Peter Tork of the Monkees Dies at 77

After battling a rare form of cancer for over a decade, it's been confirmed by TMZ, the Washington Post and several other sources that Peter Tork of The Monkees has died at the age of 77.

Tork's sister confirmed the news but did not reveal the official cause of death.

The Monkees were a hybrid comedy/music act that everyone grew up knowing and loving. TMZ called Tork "the wise-cracking, self-described dummy" of the group.  The Monkees' TV show first aired in 1966 and has gone on to entertain generations of music and comedy lovers, churning out such hits as "Last Train to Clarksville", "Daydream Believer" and "I'm a Believer".

This leaves Michael Nesmith and Mickey Dolenz as the only surviving members of the group, after Davy Jones' death in 2012.

Our condolences go out to Tork's friends, family, loved ones and bandmates. We as fans are saddened by the loss of this great talent.

[Via TMZ]