It is with profound sadness that I convey that indomitable Katie Lee, my mentor in folk music and dear friend for 43 years passed away peacefully in her home in Jerome, Arizona on November 1, 2017. I'm grateful for all the time we shared singing, plucking, hiking, talking, adventuring, weeping, bitching, and laughing. Performing for her at the premiere of the stage production of her folk opera, Maude, Billy & Mr. D. last May 2017 was really a special experience.