The world received some unfortunate news on Wednesday.
It was announced that British primatologist, ethologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall, who’s known for her 60 years of studying chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, passed away in Los Angeles. She was 91 years old.
During her six-decade-long career, Goddall revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzees by observing and documenting their social behaviors, tool use and diet. She is also widely recognized for her transition from scientist to global conservationist and activist, establishing her Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 to protect chimpanzees and launching the Roots & Shoots program in 1991 to empower youth to create positive change for people, animals and the environment.
Many celebrities and artists sent their regards and honored Goodall’s legacy, including Dave Matthews, who regarded the late activist as a “dear friend.”
“The world has lost a giant but she left us with the idea that hope is an act of resistance in a world run by greed and cruelty,” the band wrote on their social media platforms. “She was a fierce defender of social and environmental justice, which to her, went hand in hand.”
Matthews, the frontrunner of the Dave Matthews Band, was a guest on the second episode of Goodall’s Hopecast podcast in January 2021. According to the press release, the two “have been friends for many years” and “their admiration and respect for one another is easy to hear” in the episode.
The 58-year-old singer has long supported Goodall’s mission through the Jane Goodall Institute, using his platform to raise awareness about wildlife protection and sustainability. The two have appeared together at multiple events and campaigns over the past two decades, often highlighting the urgent need to address climate change and preserve biodiversity.
“She was my dear friend and I will miss her,” the message concluded.
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This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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