Jackie Guthrie, Arlo Guthrie's wife, dies at 68

Arlo Guthrie singing "Amazing Grace" to his new bride Jackie Hyde, at their wedding ceremony Oct. 9, 1969, on Guthrie's farm in Washington, Mass. / STEVE STARR/AP

Folk singer Arlo Guthrie has announced the death of his wife, Jackie, at age 68.

An obituary released by Guthrie's record label says Jackie Guthrie had inoperable cancer and died Sunday at the couple's winter home in Florida. They had recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary.

In a Facebook posting, Guthrie says his relationship with his wife was "a very great love." The emotional post provided insight into the couple's relationship.

"We didn't always like each other," Guthrie wrote. "From time to time there were moments when we'd have our bags packed by the door. But, there was this great love that we shared from the moment we met - a recognition - It's YOU! And we would always return to it year after year, decade after decade and I believe life after lifetime."

The couple also shared a home in Washington, in western Massachusetts. Guthrie's website says he's canceling or postponing some upcoming shows and will begin a planned tour in Canada next week.

Jackie Guthrie grew up in Malibu, Calif., and met Arlo Guthrie in 1968 while she was working as a cashier in a famous Hollywood club, The Troubador.

She is survived by five children and 10 grandchildren.

Guthrie has postponed several upcoming shows but promises to reschedule them as soon as possible.

[paulgerek]

I have married the same year/December - cats and dogs - but still there. Stay strong brother.

[dr_nc]

Amen, Brother.

[rwsmith29456]

RIP. Five children and ten grandchildren are a pretty good legacy.

[pammarts63]

Dear Arlo, I am so sad to hear of Jackies passing. I lost my husband a few years ago with Liver cancer. It was a long, but easy passing. But I know your loss.
I know you have a great big hole in your heart right now, but, keep singing the music, you know she loved, until it soothes that great big pain.
I love you, Arlo and will be remembering you in this time of loss.

Pam Martin Harney ( [e-mail] )Lean on that old water heater and give it all to God.

[Iammaryk]

You are so very right JGNV!!!!!!! My thoughts have been with the entire family the past few weeks when I first heard about Jackie's illness.

[jgnv]

Read posted eulogy by Mr. Guthrie and can't imagine a more beautiful, heartfelt tribute any man could pay to his lifetime partner. I especially appreciated the fact that he stated they both very much believed in living for the moment, which is something we should all attempt to do in our daily lives.