The gift was a guitar — more specifically, a road-worn Fender Telecaster formerly owned by the Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir. Less than two weeks later, on January 10, Weir passed away at age 78.

"There are so many people who can rightfully say that their life would not have been the same without Bob Weir," the drummer wrote. "That's been true for me since I was 17"

As a boomer, Weir checked many of the key boxes as he and the band matured: interest in yoga and Eastern spirituality, macrobiotic diet, environmental activism. But more important is that, unlike many in his cohort, he stuck with his chosen family even after it was no longer a whirling utopian acid fantasy.

Zach Bryan is revealing the special wedding gift he received from his wife, Samantha Leonard Bryan, that now has even more sentimental value. In a post on Instagram on Monday, Jan. 12, the "Pink Skies" singer, 29, shared that Leonard gave him a guitar once owned by Bob Weir, just days before the Grateful Dead co-founder's death.

Over the weekend, we lost a musician who shaped the lives of countless people: the late, great Bob Weir. He was a founding member of the Grateful Dead who played guitar, wrote and sang in the band for 30 years.

The guitarist, singer and songwriter, who died at 78, cut his own path among his elders in the Grateful Dead, and beyond.

Bob Weir, one of the founding members of the Grateful Dead, has passed away at 78. Learn more about the legendary guitarist’s life, legacy, wife, children, and the tributes pouring in from fans and fellow musicians following his death.

"Thanks for letting me ride alongside you. It sure was a pleasure," Mayer, who spent a decade playing with Weir in Dead & Company, said.