Low drummer-vocalist Mimi Parker dies, age 55, after two-year battle with ovarian cancer

Mimi Parker, the founding drummer-vocalist of the “slowcore” indie rock band Low, died Saturday night at her home in Duluth, MN after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer.

“Friends, it’s hard to translate the universe into language and into a short message, but she passed away last night surrounded by family and love, including yours,” her husband and bandmate Alan Sparhawk announced Sunday.

“Keep her name close and holy. Share this moment with someone who needs you. Love is indeed the most important.’

RIP: Mimi Parker (R, pictured in 2021), the founding drummer-vocalist of ‘slowcore’ indie rock band Low, passed away Saturday night at age 55 at her home in Duluth, MN after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer

Fans were first notified of Mimi’s health concerns on August 15 when the band announced they had to cancel concerts in Wales, Scandinavia, England and Scotland because of her “battle with cancer” which “made travel impossible”.

Former Low Bassist Zak Sally Posted an old photo of Parker with the caption: “I have no words, other than cherishing every moment I had with Mimi Parker, one of the most wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure to know in this life. And so grateful that I could tell her that. I love you, Mim.’

Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite tweeted: ‘Absolutely heartbroken by the news about Mimi. I send all my love to Alan and his family.’

Portishead frontman Geoff Barrow wrote: ‘He was heartbroken by the news of Mimi Parker’s passing. Her voice with Alan’s has often moved me emotionally like no other band. Their music together surpassed all the bulls*** in the world and I will cherish every time I saw them play live or saw her at a festival.’

Her husband and bandmate Alan Sparhawk announced on Sunday: “Friends, it’s hard to translate the universe into language and into a short message, but she passed away last night surrounded by family and love, including yours. Keep her name near and holy. Share this moment with someone who needs you. Love is indeed the most important

‘Our hope is she will respond to new treatments’: Fans were first notified of Mimi’s health concerns on August 15 when the band announced they had to cancel concerts due to her ‘fighting cancer’ making ‘travel impossible’

Everything But the Girl singer Tracey Thorn tweeted: ‘I’m sorry to hear this news. Love and condolences to everyone who knew and loved Mimi.’

Thorn’s bandmate Ben Watt tweeted: ‘Just unbearably sad to hear of the passing of Low’s Mimi Parker. My heart goes out to Alan and their family. I am honored that our paths have crossed more than once.”

Run the Jewels rapper El-P tweeted a broken heart emoji and wrote, ‘Thank you Mimi Parker.’

Grammy nominee Will Sheff tweeted“Mimi Parker’s voice had such depth and mystery – icy and opaque but also somehow warm and motherly, an eerily perfect complement to Alan Sparhawk. And she was so present on stage. She gave Low their extraordinarily powerful sense of gravity. Rest in peace.’

Former Low bassist Zak Sally posted an old photo of Parker with the caption: “I have no words other than cherishing every moment I had with Mimi Parker, one of the most wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure to know in this life. And so grateful that I could tell her that. I love you, Mim’

‘Absolutely heartbroken’: Condolences for Parker poured in from Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite, Portishead frontman Geoff Barrow, Everything But the Girl, Run the Jewels rapper El-P and Grammy nominee Will Sheff

The Mormon musician originally met her 53-year-old husband when they were children and they formed their band in 1993 and released 13 studio albums.

Mimi and Alan — whose 1999 cover of Little Drummer Boy was used in a Gap commercial — were set to give seven shows at the Marquis Theater in Denver starting March 24 next year.

Aside from Sparhawk, Parker is survived by their two grown children – 22-year-old daughter Hollis Mae and 18-year-old son George Cyrus.

How it all started: The Mormon musician originally met her 53-year-old husband when they were children and they formed their band in 1993 (pictured) and released 13 studio albums

Tragic: Mimi and Alan — whose 1999 cover of Little Drummer Boy was used in a Gap commercial — were slated to give seven shows at the Marquis Theater in Denver starting March 24 next year (pictured in 2004)

Following in their footsteps: Aside from Sparhawk, Parker is survived by their two grown children – 22-year-old daughter Hollis Mae and 18-year-old son George Cyrus