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Jackie Farry, Frances Bean Cobain’s Nanny, 1990s Music Industry Veteran, Dies at 58

Farry, who worked in radio promotion and as a tour manager for Elliott Smith and the Lemonheads, died on Sunday (Jan. 12) of complications from lung disease.

Kurt Cobain of Nirvana with Courtney Love and Frances Bean Cobain at the 10th Annual MTV Video Music Awards in 1993.

Kurt Cobain of Nirvana with Courtney Love and Frances Bean Cobain at the 10th Annual MTV Video Music Awards in 1993.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Jackie Farry, a music industry veteran who served as tour manager for Elliot Smith and the Lemonheads in the 1990s and who was Frances Bean Cobain’s first nanny, died on Sunday (Jan. 12) of complications from lung disease. Farry’s death was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by longtime friend manager/producer Janet Billig Rich.

Farry’s career began in the 1980s when she served as a receptionist at Homestead Records, a beloved New York indie label whose roster included such beloved acts as Antietam, Babe the Blue Ox, The Meatmen, Tsunami, Volcano Suns and others. She moved on to gigs at Atlantic Records (1988-1989), Epic Records (1991-1992), where she worked in radio promotion, often with hard rock and metal bands.


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She pivoted to working with Nirvana during the band’s heyday, serving as nanny to singer Kurt Cobain and wife Courtney Love’s daughter, Frances Bean, until Cobain’s death in 1994. After working with a number of metal bands early in her career, she also hosted the short-lived MTV series Superock, which launched in 1995 as a replacement for the former video music channel’s beloved Headbangers Ball series.

Later in the decade, Farry was a tour manager for a number of indie rock acts, including Stereolab, the Lemonheads, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Quasi and others.

According to THR, Farry was born Jacquelyn Beth Farry in New York and raised in the controversial Synanon community, which was initially established as drug rehab program before growing into a cult in which leaders allegedly controlled members using confrontational “attack therapy.”

“Jackie carried with her an incredible trove of memories and songs from those formative years,” Billig told THR. “Jackie’s love for music was matched only by her sharp wit, humor, and magnetic personality. She was a beacon for friends and strangers alike, drawing people in with her infectious energy. Jackie Farry’s legacy is one of love, laughter and an indomitable spirit. She will be deeply missed — her unforgettable stories, her humor and her impact on those who knew her will live on forever.”

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Farry was diagnosed with cancer in 2003, with her many friends standing by her and organizing a series of “f–k cancer” benefit shows featuring bands including the Breeders, TV on the Radio and Guided By Voices. In honor of her longtime support of pit bull rescue, donations in Farry’s honor can be made to her charity of choice, LovePaws.

This article was originally published by Billboard U.S.

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Drake Says His ‘Karma Is Straight’ During Show Speech: ‘I Didn’t Get Here by Being a Snake’
Simone Joyner/Getty Images

Drake performs live on stage during day two of Wireless Festival 2025 at Finsbury Park on July 12, 2025 in London, England.

Rb Hip Hop

Drake Says His ‘Karma Is Straight’ During Show Speech: ‘I Didn’t Get Here by Being a Snake’

Drizzy and PARTYNEXTDOOR are in Europe for the $ome $pecial $hows 4 U.K. tour.

Drake took a breather during his Amsterdam show on Wednesday night (July 30) to give the audience some game when it comes to his thoughts on karma and how he’s been able to maintain longevity in music for nearly two decades.

“Never give up. Keep going, not even on some preachy s—t. This might be the moment that you need to hear it,” Drizzy relayed. “And the biggest thing I would say to you is I didn’t get here by being a piece of s—t. I didn’t get here by being a snake. I didn’t get here by being a dickhead. I got here by being good to people, being nice to people, and my karma is straight.”

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