Christopher Nicks died early on September 4 at 72. His daughter, Nixi Parkinson Nicks, said he had spent 2.5 years battling cancer and that the family was with him when he died.
That timeline is the core of the story. The illness was private for the full 2.5 years, so the announcement landed without warning for many who knew his name through Stevie Nicks and through the family that surrounded him.
Nixi Parkinson Nicks on Instagram
Nixi Parkinson Nicks announced the death on Friday, September 4, first with a post on Instagram and then in Instagram Stories. She wrote, "It is with a broken heart that I announce the passing of my father, Christopher Aaron Nicks, early this morning, surrounded by family."
She added, "Some of you may know that he has spent the last 2.5 years battling a cancer diagnosis, and to some this may come as a shock. If this is news to you, please know it was because he never wanted people to worry about him that he kept this to himself." That line explains why the news reached people all at once instead of in stages.
Stevie Nicks and family
Christopher Aaron Nicks was Stevie Nicks' younger brother, and the family connection has long sat in public view. In 1986, Stevie Nicks said in an interview via In Her Words that she missed her brother Christopher and that her family was very important to her.
Stevie Nicks had not publicly commented on the death at the time of writing. Lori Perry-Nicks, Christopher Aaron Nicks' ex-wife, is also part of the family history here, and she and Christopher Aaron Nicks welcomed Nixi Parkinson Nicks.
Social tributes after September 4
Tributes appeared on social media soon after the announcement, with messages such as, "Condolences to the entire Nicks family. May Chris rest in peace." Others wrote, "Oh no! Keeping Stevie in my prayers," and, "That's so sad. Cancer touches so many people's lives. So many. So sorry for all the families loss."
Nixi Parkinson Nicks closed her statement with, "Rest easy, Coach. We will see you in Neverland." The remaining question is the one the family has not answered: what type of cancer Christopher Aaron Nicks had was not stated.
