Low’s Mimi Parker dies after battle with cancer

Low drummer/singer Mimi Parker died Saturday (November 5) after a battle with ovarian cancer.

in one expression Parker’s husband and musical collaborator Alan Sparhawk, who took to social media on Sunday, announced his wife’s death.

“Friends, it’s hard to put the universe into words and a short message, but… She died last night surrounded by family and love, including yours,” Sparhawk wrote. “Keep her name close and holy. Share this moment with someone who needs you. Love is indeed the most important thing.”

In January 2022, Parker revealed in an interview on the SHEROE podcast that she had been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer in December 2020. Between January 2021 and August 2021 – leading up to the band’s latest album, HEY WHAT – she underwent intensive chemotherapy and surgery. Over the summer, Low canceled a scheduled tour in Europe after “recent developments and changes in treatment” prevented Parker’s ability to travel.

Sparhawk and Parker first met when Sparhawk moved to Minnesota at the age of nine. In their early 20’s they married and moved to Duluth where they formed Low. The duo became pioneers of the slowcore genre with their distinctive musical style that paired haunted harmonies with lush but minimal arrangements. Over the course of 27 years, they released 13 studio albums, the last seven of which were distributed by Sub Pop.