Folk singer Peter Yarrow, known for writing the beloved song “Puff the Magic Dragon” and being a member of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 86. He had been battling bladder cancer for the past four years.
Yarrow died in New York City, surrounded by family and loved ones. His daughter, Bethany Yarrow, expressed her feelings in a statement, describing her father as a “fearless dragon” who had now entered the final phase of his remarkable life. She highlighted that while Peter Yarrow was celebrated as an influential folk activist, the man behind the legend was equally generous, creative, passionate, playful, and wise, qualities that were reflected in his music.
Mary Travers, 72, passed away in 2009, leaving Noel Paul Stookey, 87, as the only remaining member of the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary. The group’s music became an integral part of the Civil Rights and anti-Vietnam War movements. Yarrow, in particular, co-wrote their most enduring hit, “Puff the Magic Dragon,” which was inspired by a poem written by the late Lenny Lipton. The trio was part of the historic 1963 March on Washington, alongside other prominent artists like Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, when Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
The trio attended the 1963 March on Washington at the invitation of Harry Belafonte. Reflecting on that time, Yarrow later remarked that the country’s pledge of “liberty and justice for all” felt empty, as it did not apply to everyone. He pointed out that people of color lacked basic freedoms, such as the right to vote, and faced severe segregation. In Washington, D.C., for example, people of color were denied access to public restrooms and drinking fountains unless specifically marked “For colored only.” When Belafonte approached Peter, Paul, and Mary, they immediately agreed to participate, ready to perform songs that resonated deeply with the civil rights struggle.
In addition to “Puff the Magic Dragon,” the trio also had other major hits, including “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Lemon Tree,” and “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.”
Stookey shared that as an only child, he never experienced the bond of having a brother until he met Yarrow. They were best men at each other’s weddings, and Stookey fondly recalled Yarrow as a loving “uncle” to his three daughters. Despite their different living preferences—Yarrow’s comfort in the city and Stookey’s love of the country—their contrasting perspectives were celebrated in their friendship and music. Stookey described Yarrow as his younger, creative, spontaneous brother, even though he was five months older. He also admired Yarrow’s wisdom and guidance, which often felt like that of an older sibling. Stookey expressed deep sorrow for the loss of his friend, who, in many ways, was both of the brothers he never had.
Later in life, Yarrow kept a low profile following a conviction in 1970 for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in a Washington, D.C., hotel. He served three months in prison and was granted a pardon by President Jimmy Carter just before his term ended in 1981. However, the incident permanently marred Yarrow’s reputation, especially in the #MeToo era, and he was often disinvited from events once his past became known. Yarrow acknowledged his actions and expressed deep regret, stating he supported the movements for equal rights and against sexual abuse. He apologized for the pain and harm he caused.
Yarrow is survived by his wife, Marybeth; son, Christopher; daughter, Bethany; and granddaughter, Valentina. In honor of his memory, his family encouraged donations to the nonprofit anti-bullying campaign, Operation Respect. Bethany Yarrow reflected on her father’s life, stating that he was driven by a belief in a more compassionate world. She encouraged fans to continue believing in the power of song and the magic of dragons, quoting her father’s conviction that singing together could change the world.
