Dick Foley, KOMO host and Brothers Four folk singer, dies at 85

The pioneering Seattle folk singer had a long career in entertainment and media.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:38pm

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A dramatic black silhouette of a folk singer holding an acoustic guitar, set against a vibrant red background, conceptually representing the legacy of a beloved local artist.The passing of pioneering Seattle folk singer Dick Foley marks the end of an era for the Pacific Northwest's rich musical heritage.Kirkland Today

Dick Foley, a Grammy-nominated Seattle folk singer who performed at the Academy Awards and the White House before becoming a longtime KOMO TV host, has passed away at the age of 85 after a long illness.

Why it matters

Foley was a prominent figure in the Pacific Northwest's folk music scene in the 1950s and 1960s as a member of the popular group The Brothers Four. He later transitioned to a successful career in local television, becoming an Emmy Award-winning host and beloved community figure in the Seattle area.

The details

Foley grew up in Madison Park in Seattle and found early success in the entertainment industry with The Brothers Four, a folk group he formed in the late 1950s with his University of Washington fraternity brothers. The Brothers Four were part of the folk revivalist movement of the mid-20th century. After his music career, Foley went on to become an Emmy Award-winning TV host at KOMO, where he worked for many years.

  • Foley passed away on March 15, 2026.
  • The Brothers Four was formed in the late 1950s.

The players

Dick Foley

A pioneering Seattle folk singer who was a member of the group The Brothers Four and later became an Emmy Award-winning TV host at KOMO.

The Brothers Four

A folk music group formed in the late 1950s by Foley and his University of Washington fraternity brothers, which was part of the folk revivalist movement of the mid-20th century.

Mary Foley

Dick Foley's widow, who shared a statement about his life and legacy.

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What they’re saying

“His love for his family was evident in his daily life and his faith was important to him. Dick's God-given talents were many, but it was his warmth, his compassion, his generosity, and his humor that brought us together.”

— Mary Foley, Dick Foley's widow

The takeaway

Dick Foley's life and career spanned the worlds of folk music and local television, making him a beloved figure in the Seattle community. His passing marks the end of an era for the Pacific Northwest's rich folk music history.