Jean has been a kind friend since I met her and her family at Viper in 1955. An evening of hearing Balis and Abigail sing together with several of their children, thoughtfully assembled by Jean for our visit, has to be one of the most inspiring and memorable experiences of my life.

There must be very few people who can light up a room like Jean. Her extraordinary singing, her delightful presence, her humor (she can be ticklish funny)—and all those unexpected things, like borrowing my banjo and picking "Lord Bateman" on it with a sly grin—so many memories come flooding back.

Jean has filled my life and so many lives with beauty and enjoyment. She's showed countless of us the secret of what traditional music can mean, and its rootedness in a the life that went with it.

Jean, Amba and I wish you a splendid recovery, and more years of song to come. Our hearts are with you, and George, and Jon, and Peter. Bless you.

Love, Bob