Big Daddy Weave bassist Jay Weaver died of complications with Covid-19, the band announced via Instagram on Sunday.

In an emotional video, band member and brother Mike Weaver revealed that Weaver had passed away due to medical issues that had arisen during his struggle with the virus.

“Thank you so much for all your prayers for my brother,” he said. “You have walked with him through a huge fight, and I’m so sorry to bring this news but I’m also excited to celebrate where he is right now. My brother Jay went to be with Jesus just a couple of hours ago due to complications due to COVID-19.”

The announcement came after the band’s plea to pray for Weaver’s health.

About Big Daddy Weave

Mike Weaver was a worship leader of a Florida Church when he decided to gather friends from the University of Mobile to form a contemporary Christian band in 1998.

He formed the band with his brother Jay, Joe Shirk, Jeremy Redmon, and Brian Beihl.

The group has released eight studio albums and managed to hit the top 20 hits on the US Christian music chart thrice. 

To date, Big Daddy Weave’s most popular songs are ‘My Story’ and ‘I Know.’

They released their most recent album, When the Light Comes, in 2019. The album peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart, and ‘I Know’ became the group’s sixth number 1 on the Christian Airplay Chart last year.

Jay Weaver’s Health Complications

Weaver had been suffering from ill health for a number of years.

His health complications began in 2016 when both his feet had to be amputated to save the rest of his body from suffering a fatal infection.

In 2020, Weaver revealed he had been undergoing dialysis to help with poor kidney function.

On Twitter in December, Big Daddy Weave asked followers to pray for the bassist who had been hospitalized due to coronavirus. 

“Friends, would you please pray for Jay, his wife Emily, and their children? Jay has been in the hospital for five days fighting a tough battle against Covid. Would you pray with us for complete healing for Jay and for peace for his family? We pray In Jesus name that it be so.” the tweet read. 

Mike thanked Big Daddy Weaves fans for their continued support in the Instagram video and expressed his desire to see his brother in a better place.

He added:

“The Lord used [Jay] in such a might way out on the road for so many years…I believe even though COVID may have taken his last breath, Jesus was right there to catch him.”

“My heart’s broke for my family,” Mike continued. “But we all just really wanted to thank you for walking with us through so much for so long.”

Weaver is survived by his wife, Emily, and their children, Makenzie, Madison, and Nathan Weaver.

Famous fans and friends of Big Daddy Weave grieved for Weaver on social media, and the band’s record label shared their sorrow at the loss of the bassist.