Davy Jones' Death: Bandmates and Hollywood Fans React to the Loss

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"The Monkees"

Davy Jones of the chart-topping band The Monkees, died at 66 at his home in Florida on Wednesday.  TMZ reports that he suffered a heart attack.

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News of his sudden death prompted heartfelt messages and remembrances among his former bandmates and other Hollywood notables, who looked back fondly on the singer's long-spanning musical career.

“So many lovely and heartfelt messages of condolence and sympathy, I don’t know what to say, except my sincere thank you to all. I share and appreciate your feelings," Jones' former bandmate Michael Nesmith said on his Facebook page.

"David’s spirit and soul live well in my heart, among all the lovely people, who remember with me the good times, and the healing times, that were created for so many, including us. I have fond memories. I wish him safe travels,” he continued.

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Micky Dolenz added, "I am in a state of shock; Davy and I grew up together and shared in the unique success of what became The Monkees phenomena. The time we worked together and had together is something I'll never forget. He was the brother I never had and this leaves a gigantic hole in my heart. The memories have and will last a lifetime. My condolences go out to his family. "

Peter Tork also expressed his sympathy via Facebook, saying, "It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow-adventurer, David Jones. His talent will be much missed; his gifts will be with us always. My deepest sympathy to Jessica and the rest of his family. Adios, to the Manchester Cowboy. Peace and love, Peter T."

In September 1965, filmmakers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider ran an ad in The Hollywood Reporter to cast an American rock’n’roll group that would mimic the famous British band, The Beatles. The Monkees rose to fame with a hit television series in 1966, continuing on to enjoy crossover success outside of the show. Their singles “I’m a Believer” and “Daydream Believer,” both reached the number one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

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Jones became a pop icon singing lead vocals while banging on his trademark tambourine.

When the group disbanded, Jones continued with a solo career and recorded the hit “Rainy Jane.” He also returned to his television roots, making multiple television appearances on shows including The Brady Bunch, Love, American Style and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

The Monkees experienced a revival in popularity in the 1980’s when channels like MTV and Nickelodeon began to air old episodes of the series. Their sudden exposure lead to a jump in album sales that helped them to reach platinum status.

Jones is survived by his wife, Jessica, and four daughters from previous marriages.

Following the news of Jones’ death, Ringo Star of the Beatles released a short but sweet statement on the loss: “God bless Davy. Peace & love to his family, Ringo.”

Piers Morgan tweeted, “So sad to hear about #DavyJones – the Monkees was my favorite TV show as a kid.” Morgan will sit down with Jones’ former band mate for an exclusive interview Wednesday night on CNN at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Read on for more Hollywood reactions to Jones’ death.

The Monkees  ‏  @MonkeesOfficial
R.I.P. Davy Jones - share your favorite Davy memories with us...#themonkees

Nickelodeon  ‏  @NickelodeonTV
RIP Davy Jones from The Monkees, he helped pave the way for TV boy bands everywhere.

Gilbert Gottfried  ‏  @RealGilbert
True...David Bowie's real name is David Jones. That's why he had to change it to Bowie. R.I.P. Davy Jones

Kevin Bacon @kevinbacon
When I was a kid I wanted to BE Davy Jones. Big part of what led me to showbiz. R.I.P.

Will Smith  ‏  @LifeAsWillSmith
R.I.P. Davy Jones. Retweet for respect.

They Might Be Giants  ‏  @tmbg
Hey @rock_hall of Fame. This year you inducted Don Kirshner but still no love for the Monkees? C'mon. #RIPdavyjones

Nancy Sinatra  ‏  @NancySinatra
Davy Jones leaves a wife, 4 daughters and a great legacy. Gone too soon.

Neil Diamond  ‏ @NeilDiamond
I'm sad to hear about Davy Jones. The Monkees were such a sensation that it was a thrill for me to have them record some of my early songs.

Questo of The Roots  ‏  @questlove
damn. Davy Jones is gone. i loved the Monkees

Al Roker  ‏  @alroker
Davy Jones of the Monkees is dead. He was 66 years old. A little bit of my youth just died

Billy Corgan  ‏  @Billy
Sad to hear of the passing of Davy Jones! Met him just last year, was very kind to me. Monkees should have been in R 'n R HOF years ago

E-mail: Shannon.Ma@thr.com; Twitter: @HelloShannonM