Friends fear 83-year-old music icon was abandoned after months of silence

Alabama Life & CultureLinda Perhacs has not been heard from by friends and collaborators for nearly eight months, prompting growing concern about her wellbeing.Getty ImagesFolk music icon Linda Perhacs has been missing for nearly eight months after her discharge from a residential care facility, prompting friends and collaborators to fear the 83-year-old singer was abandoned by her legal guardian, Page Six reports.Fernando Perdomo, Perhacs’ music co-producer, told the outlet that he learned of her disappearance six weeks ago when he contacted her former memory care center to share news of a podcast episode he had recorded in her honor. Staff informed him that her next of kin had checked her out eight months earlier.“My biggest fear is that she was just dropped off on the street somewhere,” Perdomo said.Perhacs, a psychedelic folk singer-songwriter known for her song “Dolphin,” suffers from dementia. Friends said they have been unable to reach her, and repeated attempts to contact her guardian have gone unanswered.Perdomo said he tried to obtain the address where Perhacs was allegedly transferred, but staff refused to disclose the information. While the facility told him they do not allow discharges for patients who do not have a proper place to live, Perdomo noted “that could mean anything.”Perdomo has filed reports with Adult Protective Services and the Los Angeles Police Department and is working with private investigators to locate the singer. The LAPD could not confirm the missing persons report when contacted, according to Page Six.The Adult Protective Services Program of the Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department told the outlet that confidentiality laws prevent the disclosure of information about specific individuals. The department added that social workers respond to reports of neglect or unsafe living conditions and provide resources depending on the circumstances.Perdomo last saw Perhacs in September 2024 when he visited to celebrate her 80th birthday at the healthcare facility. He said he later limited his visits after hearing her memory was failing to avoid causing her confusion.Perhacs experienced a career resurgence in her 70s, signing two record deals and touring the world. Perdomo, who reached out to the singer via email in 2012, said Perhacs told him she was “thankful that I was able to make two more records and now I’m just resting.”Collaborator Mark McNeill posted a plea for help on Instagram asking the public to assist in ensuring the singer’s wellbeing, according to Page Six. Friends have urged anyone with information to contact Perhacs’ former manager, Laurel Stearns at lstearns@primarywave.com.Megan Sims is a viral reporter for cleveland.com and a Cleveland native. She covers topics ranging from celebrity news, national business news, social media and more. Previously, Megan covered various lifestyle...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by AL.com staff.