The time has come for me to let go! I loved Ronnie Van Zant very much and because I did, I have lived the last 23 years of my life in pain. When Ronnie died, Melody was barely a year old and it was because of her that I was able to go on with life. She is a beautiful woman now and I know that Ronnie would be very proud of her! It is because of her that I have tried to preserve and protect Ronnie's memory in hopes that she would be able to know her father better. But I was wrong! Melody has assured me that she doesn't know her father any better and in my quest to keep Ronnie Van Zant alive for her, as well as myself, I have sacrificed many things that are dear to me.

The Freebird Foundation has been a wonderful thing. All of you who have supported it and me can be very proud of the things that have been accomplished. There is a beautiful park in Florida named in memory of Ronnie Van Zant! The Foundation has sponsored numerous events that have brought fans from all over the world together! And the most wonderful things are the eleven students who have been able to have a college education because of the generous support of Lynyrd Skynyrd fans!

Effective March 1, 2001, the Freebird Foundation, Inc. was dissolved. The Foundation web site will remain up as an information site only. All remaining funds will go to the Clay County Recreation Department for improvements at the Ronnie VanZant Memorial Park.

For those of you who have been so supportive, I Thank You! I know you will understand and support my decision!