Slowcore Icon Mimi Parker Dies At 55: Cause of Death Tragic, Vocalist's Legacy Remains

(Photo : Music Times)

Low frontman Alan Sparhawk took to social media to announce the heartbreaking news of Mimi Parker's passing after her two-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 55.

"Friends, it's hard to put the universe into language and into a short message," he wrote. "She passed away last night, surrounded by family and love, including yours."

Parker served as Low's vocalist and drummer, and she also happened to be Sparhawk's wife. The 55-year-old was considered to be one of the people who helped define the rock subgenre called slowcore.

"Keep her name close and sacred. Share this moment with someone who needs you. Love is indeed the most important thing," Sparhawk reminded fans.

Friends, it’s hard to put 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 close and sacred. Share this moment with someone who needs you. Love is indeed the most important thing.
— LOW (@lowtheband) November 6, 2022

Battle

According to reports, Parker went public with her illness back in 2020 during a podcast interview. Her bout with cancer was the reason behind a string of performance cancelations that were slated on Low's 2022 tour.

She underwent treatment for the illness, however, she powered through them with her husband by her side.

Sparhawk was vocal about his support and love towards his wife, constantly updating fans about the vocalist.

"There have been difficult days, but your love has sustained us and will continue to lift us through this time," he had written on Oct. 7 via Instagram.

Following the announcement of her death, poured in the fans' and friends' support messages. They were clearly devastated and saw Parker's death as a loss to the slowcore community and genre altogether.

"Your music has such healing power. Wishing Mimi lots of love and positive energy. Your words and voices are so important to the world and have been for many years. Know that you're loved and get well soon. Please keep in touch and keep doing what you," wrote rock band Calexico.

"Sending all of the love and comfort your music has given me over the last 28 years to you," another wrote.

"I had a serious time with cancer in 2019 and your music gave me solace and hope then, and continues to now- you and Mimi are always in my thoughts. Love and light," a fan commented.

Legacy

Parker and Sparhawk formed Low in 1993 and were the core members of the band; with additional players coming and going through the years.

Their debut album, "I Could Live In Hope," was released in 1994 and it set the scene for the couple. Albeit they did not get mainstream, they amassed a loyal fanbase.

Parker's musical influence came straight from her childhood and home, as she grew up in a musical family.

"My role was always to come up with harmonies because she and my sister would usually sing the lead," she shared in a 2005 interview with Terry Gross. "From the beginning, I learned how to just listen and draw and come up with harmonies."

Her roots in music solidified her drive to look for a better sound, which eventually led her to slowcore. They were successful in that aspect, as they had even sold out shows in Minneapolis; and were considered to have contributed to the culture at one of the nightclubs in the city.