The San Francisco bluegrass music scene is mourning the loss of veteran singer Jeanie Poling following her battle with two rare cancers.
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Poling passed away on Aug. 26, according to The San Francisco Chronicle, which reported the sad news on Sept. 10. The outlet added that the beloved singer was "at the heart of San Francisco's bluegrass scene."
Poling performed alongside her husband, Chuck, for more than 40 years. The duo hosted the "Bluegrass Country Jam" at the Plough and Stars for two decades before the COVID-19 pandemic shut it down.
Chuck Poling took to social media to pay tribute to his wife and longtime collaborator.
"MY JEANIE," he began
on Facebook alongside a candid black-and-white photo of his late wife.
"She passed away on August 26 from pneumonia after a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. She fought the good fight but knew when to throw in the towel."
"Thanks to all of you who have opened your hearts to me and my son and daughter over the loss of Jeanie," Chuck continued. "I can tell you that I am being well taken care of. Even in their own grief for their mother, Isabel and Reuben (and his beautifully compassionate wife Kat) are doing so much to prop me up. I've never been prouder of them. And for the many of you who have offered help, don't worry, you'll be hearing from me at some point. Right now it's time to hunker down with the family."
"I could say so much about Jeanie but can easily sum it up by saying she made all my dreams come true," he added. "I shared 44 years of true love — that elusive magic that so many people search their whole lives and never find — with a beautiful, bright, funny, and oh, so talented woman. A wonderful mother, an amazing singer, and accomplished professional, and my partner, my lover, and my biggest fan."
Bluegrass Singer Jeanie Poling Continued Performing Despite Battling Two Rare Cancers
The Chronicle noted that Jeanie battled "two rare forms of cancer for three years while still playing farmers' markets and street fairs" up until her death.
The duo, both decked out in country-western wear, with Chuck on the mandolin and Jeanie on the guitar, excelled at playing traditional bluegrass and country for San Francisco audiences. Despite their authenticity in their music, Chuck was a native of the City by the Bay. Meanwhile, Jeanie was a Long Island transplant.
"Jeanie was a remarkable singer, with a powerful voice," Chuck told The Chronicle. "She could really get a room to shut up and listen."
Meanwhile, fans paid tribute to the talented local singer in the comments section to Chuck's heart-wrenching Facebook post.
"She was so beautiful and sweet; we will miss her greatly. I'm so sorry she has left you too soon," one top comment read in part. "To find a dynamite love and partnership in this life is an incredible gift," another comment read.
"Oh Chuck, I am so sorry to hear this. You two were one of those rare couples that inspires one to say, 'Now THAT'S a great marriage,'" a third comment read.
