Peter Tork, the lovably goofy musician and actor who rose to fame on the 1960s NBC sitcom "The Monkees," died Thursday. He was 77. Tork's passing was announced in a statement on his official Facebook page. The entertainer succumbed to a 10-year bout with a rare form of tongue cancer, his family said. Peter Tork performing live in New York City in 2016. The entertainer died Thursday at age 77. Getty Images "It is with beyond-heavy and broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world," the statement read. Tork was a respected singer-songwriter on the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene when he auditioned for "The Monkees," a sitcom about a band of hippie musicians who lived together and got into madcap hijinks. Peter Tork, left, back row, poses with his "Monkees" co-stars Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones. The NBC sitcom aired from 1966 until 1968. Michael Ochs Archives He played a sweetly daffy version of himself on the show, which was inspired by the success of The Beatles — and wrote or co-wrote many of the band's songs. Though The Monkees were a made-for-TV band, the quartet scored several pop hits, including "Daydream Believer," "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and "Last Train to Clarksville." The band continued recording albums together for several years after "The Monkees" went off the air in 1968. Peter Tork, right, and co-star Micky Dolenz. NBC / Getty Images Tork's two surviving "Monkees" co-stars, Micky Dolenz and Mike Nesmith — Davy Jones passed away in 2012 — responded to his death on Thursday. There are no words right now...heart broken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork. #petertork #themonkees @TorkTweet pic.twitter.com/C8SwoA8pEV — Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) February 21, 2019 "There are no words right now ... heart broken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork," Dolenz tweeted. Nesmith shared his grief on Facebook. "Peter Tork died this AM. I am told he slipped away peacefully," Nesmith wrote in part. "Yet, as I write this my tears are awash, and my heart is broken. Even though I am clinging to the idea that we all continue, the pain that attends these passings has no cure. It's going to be a rough day." As news of Tork's death spread, more celebrities shared their appreciation for the late star. I’m sad to hear about Peter Tork passing. I thought The Monkees were great and Peter will be missed. Love & mercy to Peter’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/NquzjTmtFx — Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) February 21, 2019 "I’m sad to hear about Peter Tork passing. I thought The Monkees were great and Peter will be missed. Love & mercy to Peter's family, friends and fans," The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson wrote. Susanna Hoffs, singer and guitarist for The Bangles, shared a brokenhearted emoji, writing, "peace and love Peter Tork." Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the sweet Peter Tork💔 Such a fan of Peter’s music and #TheMonkees . His music has brought such joy into this world and will live on forever. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We will miss you. Rest In Peace Peter. pic.twitter.com/55h2ku632N — Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) February 21, 2019 Former "Brady Bunch" star Maureen McCormick wrote, "Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the sweet Peter Tork. ... His music has brought such joy into this world and will live on forever." Legendary songwriter Carole King, who co-wrote "Pleasant Valley Sunday" among other Monkees songs, also saluted the late musician, tweeting, "R.I.P. Peter Tork."<doc-sep>"Peter Tork died this AM. I am told he slipped away peacefully. Yet, as I write this my tears are awash, and my heart is broken. Even though I am clinging to the idea that we all continue, the pain that attends these passings has no cure. It's going to be a rough day. "I share with all Monkees fans this change, this "loss", even so. "PT will be a part of me forever. I have said this before -- and now it seems even more apt -- the reason we called it a band is because it was where we all went to play. "A band no more -- and yet the music plays on -- an anthem to all who made the Monkees and the TV show our private -- dare I say "secret" -- playground. "As for Pete, I can only pray his songs reach the heights that can lift us and that our childhood lives forever -- that special sparkle that was the Monkees. I will miss him -- a brother in arms. Take flight my Brother."<doc-sep>The Monkees bassist and singer Peter Tork died Thursday at the age of 77, his sister Anne Thorkelson has confirmed. Tork's sibling did not clarify the suspected cause of his death, but in 2009 the musician was diagnosed with a rare cancer that affected his tongue. 'It is with beyond-heavy and broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world,' a post on his official Facebook page read. He celebrated his 77th birthday last Wednesday and is survived by his fourth wife Pam Tork as well as children Ivan Joseph Iannoli, Hallie Luia Tork and Erica Marie Tork. The social media post from his 'friends, family and colleagues' continued: 'We want to thank each and every one of you for your love, dedication and support of our “boss.” Having you in our world has meant so very much to all of us. 'Please know that Peter was extremely appreciative of you, his Torkees, and one of his deepest joys was to be out in front of you, playing his music, and seeing you enjoy what he had to share. We send blessings and thoughts of comfort to you all, with much gratitude.' Scroll down for video Monkees bassist and singer Peter Tork died Thursday at the age of 77, his sister Anne Thorkelson confirmed. He's pictured September 2015 Tork helped spark Monkeesmania with an offshoot of merchandise, top-selling music and tour tickets from the TV show hit he auditioned for Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork (right) on the set of the television show the Monkees circa 1967 in Los Angeles, California Bandmate Micky Dolenz posted on Twitter: 'There are no words right now...heart broken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork.' He and Mike Nesmith's The Mike & Micky Show is currently touring the US until March 16. Australia and New Zealand dates are scheduled for June. Nesmith posted on Facebook: 'Just got the news that Peter died. I am heartbroken. -Nez.' He later added: 'Pardon me if I am being dogmatic -- but I think it is harder to put together a band than a TV show -- not to take anything away from TV shows. These days I watch MSNBC -- mostly aghast at what I see -- and what I am missing is "madcap". 'Peter Tork died this AM. I am told he slipped away peacefully. Yet, as I write this my tears are awash, and my heart is broken. Even though I am clinging to the idea that we all continue, the pain that attends these passings has no cure. It's going to be a rough day.' Sugar Sugar and Be My Baby songwriter Andy Kim posted online: 'Although Micky & Davy were the face of the Monkees we all knew that Peter Tork was one hell of a musician. Talented & Brave. Onto the Light.' Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson and magician Penn Jillette also posted Twitter tributes. 'It is with beyond-heavy and broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world,' a post on his official Facebook page read Thursday Bandmate Micky Dolenz posted on Twitter Thursday: 'There are no words right now...heart broken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork' 'Heartbroken' Monkee Mike Nesmith said on Facebook: 'I am told he slipped away peacefully' Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson posted a Twitter tribute on Thursday afternoon Magician Penn Jillette also remembered Tork who he 'spent a great afternoon over coffee with' Sugar Sugar and Be My Baby songwriter Andy Kim posted: 'Although Micky & Davy were the face of the Monkees we all knew that Peter Tork was one hell of a musician. Talented & Brave' Tork's spouse Pam was there to support Tork six years ago when he battled adenoid cystic carcinoma – a rare cancer that occurs in the head and neck. His regular check-ups showed he was clear in 2012 and they married in 2013. 'When I heard I had this cancer, I had a bloody good cry, and then it was a case of, "Right what do I do now?"' he previously told Daily Mail. 'They performed the surgery and I couldn't talk for about a day or two, but Pam came with me to hold my hand.' David 'Davy' Jones, the group's lone Brit, died of a heart attack in 2012 at 66 as they prepared for a reunion tour. The same year Tork admitted he was an alcoholic. He told Daily Mail: 'I'm an alcoholic, and that means once I pick up the first drink, something gets triggered and I have no resistance, so the answer is to not drink at all. I'm 34 years clean and dry now. I was awful when I was drinking, snarling at people.' In 2009 the musician was diagnosed with a rare cancer that affected his tongue. In 2012 he told Daily Mail he was 'an alcoholic' who was '34 years clean'. He's pictured in 2005, left, and 2013, right Musicians Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork of the Monkees perform at the Pantages Theatre on September 16, 2016 in Hollywood, California Tork was the oldest member of the group in 1966 when their NBC show The Monkees first aired, the 24-year-old helped spark Monkeesmania with an offshoot of merchandise, top-selling music and tour tickets from the TV hit. Although it only ran for two seasons, the Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider-produced program won an Emmy for outstanding comedy. As well as playing bass for the four-piece, Tork sang lead on some of the band's tracks including Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again. He penned the tune for the four-piece's 1968 movie, Head, which features cameos from the likes of Dennis Hopper, Frank Zappa and Jack Nicholson who wrote the film allegedly while tripping on LSD.<doc-sep>The death of Peter Tork has stunned the music industry. The musician, who was an original member of the 1960s TV band The Monkees, passed away at age 77, reportedly after battling a rare form of tongue cancer, as previously shared by the Inquisitr. Peter Tork was 24-years-old when The Monkees premiered on NBC in 1966. Tork, who played bass and keyboard, and bandmates Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Michael Nesmith released a string of hits including "I'm a Believer," which was Billboard's top song of 1967. The made-for-TV band also released four No. 1 albums. Despite his status on the made-for-TV band, Peter Tork was a respected musician who famously sang the lead on tracks including "Head" and "Your Auntie Grizelda." And Tork could credit his Monkees fame to pal Stephen Stills, who urged him to audition for the band, according to Guitar World. Tork later jammed with Stills and his Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young bandmate Neil Young on multiple Monkees tracks. After Peter Tork's death was announced, many musicians and fans took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved Monkees bassist. Mickey Dolenz posted a black-and-white photo of his longtime bandmate to Twitter. "There are no words right now...heartbroken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork." Dolenz's heartbreaking tweet comes one week after he wished his brother Peter Tork a happy 77th birthday.In addition to Micky Dolenz, Beach Boys star Brian Wilson tweeted , "I'm sad to hear about Peter Tork passing. I thought The Monkees were great and Peter will be missed. Love & mercy to Peter's family, friends and fans." Other musicians, including Diane Warren and Carole King, also posted condolences and tributes. You can see some of the reaction to the death of Peter Tork below. Oh no RIP Peter Tork. Thank U for giving me your love beads (it was the 60s!) when I was a little girl. — Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) February 21, 2019 We just lost a MONKEE ....... R.I.P. Peter Tork — The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) February 21, 2019 The death of Peter Tork comes just after the 50th anniversary of The Monkees' classic TV heyday. Last year, Tork, Nesmith, and Dolenz recorded their first-ever Yuletide album, Christmas Party. The new release came two years after the band's 50th-anniversary album, Good Times, which scored The Monkees their highest ranking on Billboard's album chart since 1968, according to Ultimate Classic Rock Original Monkees members Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, and Peter Tork recorded the tracklist of holiday songs last year, but bandmate Davy Jones was also featured on the album thanks to vintage vocals that date back to the 1970s that had been preserved in the band's archives. Ahead of the death of Peter Tork, Davy Jones passed away from a heart attack in 2012 at the age of 66.<doc-sep>
Share this Story: 'HEARTBROKEN': Surviving members of The Monkees remember late Peter Tork 'HEARTBROKEN': Surviving members of The Monkees remember late Peter Tork AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content Musicians Micky Dolenz and Mike Nesmith have shared their heartache following the death of fellow The Monkees star Peter Tork on Thursday. The singer and bassist passed away at the age of 77, and now The Monkees’ surviving members have addressed his death online, admitting the loss has hit them hard. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or 'HEARTBROKEN': Surviving members of The Monkees remember late Peter Tork Back to video “There are no words right now … heartbroken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork,” Dolenz wrote on Facebook. Nesmith also told fans he was “heartbroken” in a short post on the social media site, before pouring his heart out in a longer statement hours later. Article content There are no words right now...heart broken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork. #petertork #themonkees @TorkTweet pic.twitter.com/C8SwoA8pEV — Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) February 21, 2019 “Peter Tork died this AM. I am told he slipped away peacefully,” he shared. “Yet, as I write this my tears are awash, and my heart is broken. Even though I am clinging to the idea that we all continue, the pain that attends these passings has no cure. It’s going to be a rough day… “PT will be a part of me forever. I have said this before – and now it seems even more apt – the reason we called it a band is because it was where we all went to play. “A band no more – and yet the music plays on – an anthem to all who made the Monkees and the TV show our private – dare I say ‘secret’ – playground.” He went on to express his hopes for Tork’s legacy, adding, “As for Pete, I can only pray his songs reach the heights that can lift us and that our childhood lives forever – that special sparkle that was the Monkees. I will miss him – a brother in arms. Take flight my Brother.” The fourth original member of the group, Davy Jones, died in 2012. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Share this article in your social network Trending