Musician Peter Tork dead at 77

Los Angeles, Feb 22 (IANS) Veteran musician Peter Tork, better known as a member of the pop group The Monkees, is dead. He was 77.

Tork's sister Anne Thorkelson confirmed the news of Tork's demise, saying he breathed his last on Thursday, reports theguardian.com.

The exact cause of his death has not been specified, although the guitarist had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer a decade ago.

Later, an official statement issued on Tork's Facebook account read: "We are all saddened to share the news that Peter Thorkelson - friend, father, husband, grandfather, philosopher, goofball, entertainer - died peacefully this morning at a family home in Connecticut."

Peter succumbed to a 10-year bout of adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands.

"Peter's energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him," the statement further said.

"Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage. We are all still raw, and still have much to process, but we are also feeling appreciation for Peter's contributions."

Born in Washington DC in 1942, Tork, whose real name was Peter Thorkelson, joined the Monkees when he was 24. The Monkees were huge in the 1960s, with hits like "I'm a believer" and "Daydream believer."

Tork also acted in several TV shows, including "Boy Meets World", "Wings" and "The King of Queens".