Donnie Iris cause of death: What we know about the Western Pennsylvania rock legend’s health before his demise at 83

Donnie Iris, the Pittsburgh rock legend, who is known for hits including “Ah! Leah!” “The Rapper” and “My Girl” have died at 83, according to multiple news reports, citing his friend and concert promoter Rich Engler's statement. “He’s going to be surely missed - big time,” Engler said in the statement to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“He was an icon along with the Joe Grusheckys. He had national hits. Not too many people can say that coming out of Pittsburgh,” he adds, before saying it was the best thing for Donnie to play one last time.

“For my money, he was the most beloved Pittsburgh musician of all time,” his colleague Joe Grushecky, told the Post-Gazette. “I don’t know anyone who was loved more than Donnie. He just had that warmth about him, and it came through in his performance.”

Donnie Iris cause of death

Donnie Iris's specific cause of death is not known. But he canceled his 80th birthday show in 2023 after being diagnosed with bladder cancer. Then he had surgery, and his prognosis was good, CBS News reported in 2023, but as per his Facebook page, he said he needs more time to heal.

However, after canceling several shows, he returned to the stage and continued to perform.

He announced his retirement, citing health issues, earlier this month via a social media post: “After much thought, and in light of recent health issues, I have made the difficult decision to retire from future concert performances,” the letter from Iris read.

“While I will no longer be performing live, the memories, the music, and the connections we have built together will always remain close to my heart," Iris wrote in the retirement letter. “Thank you for your loyalty, your energy, and your love through all the years. It has been my great honor to make music for you.”