Peter Yarrow, folk singer of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, dies at 86

Folk singer Peter Yarrow — one-third of the legendary 1960s trio Peter, Paul and Mary — died Tuesday, a family representative said. He was 86.

Yarrow, who also co-wrote the group’s most enduring song, “Puff the Magic Dragon,” passed away in New York City, publicist Ken Sunshine told the Associated Press, after years of battling bladder cancer.

“Our fearless dragon is tired and has entered the last chapter of his magnificent life. The world knows Peter Yarrow the iconic folk activist, but the human being behind the legend is every bit as generous, creative, passionate, playful, and wise as his lyrics suggest,” daughter Bethany Yarrow said in a statement to the Associated Press.

Yarrow’s death follows the 2009 passing of 72-year-old Mary Travers, leaving Paul Stookey, 87, as the last surviving member of Peter, Paul and Mary.