Overview
- Multiple outlets and longtime collaborators confirmed that Donnie Iris died Monday, October 26, and the news was shared by bandmates and promoter Rich Engler.
- Iris had been treated for bladder cancer since 2023 and continued to perform while undergoing multiple courses of chemotherapy.
- He announced his retirement from future concert performances on October 9 after giving a final seated performance on September 28 at Citizens Live at The Wylie in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.
- Iris rose to regional fame with a No. 2 1970 hit as a member of the Jaggerz and later scored a Top 30 solo hit with 'Ah! Leah!' while sustaining a six-decade career as a staple of Western Pennsylvania live music.
- Local officials, fellow musicians and the Pittsburgh Penguins issued tributes and fans have been honoring his songs as reporting continues and officials have not yet released an official cause of death.