Activist Mary Morello, mother of Tom Morello, dies at 102

Tom Morello announced on Instagram on July 12, 2026 that his mother, Mary Morello, had died at the age of 102. Mary was a former high‑school history teacher and a lifelong activist who founded the anti‑censorship group Parents for Rock and Rap in 1987. Her activism spanned a century, including feeding the unhoused during the Great Depression, opposing Jim Crow laws, supporting anti‑colonial movements in Africa, the United Farm Workers, the Chicago Urban League, and speaking out against apartheid and the Persian Gulf war. She also volunteered with organizations assisting the homeless, recovering addicts and conflict‑affected communities.

Tom had cancelled several European tour dates in June and early July to be with his mother as her health declined. Following the announcement, musicians such as Serj Tankian, Metallica, Nikki Sixx and others posted tributes, describing Mary as an inspiration and “warrior.” The news was reported in multiple languages across the United States, Europe and Latin America.