In a heartwrenching interview with The New York Times, Beastie Boys member Adam 'MCA' Yauch's mother, Frances Yauch, reflected on his constant positivity, even in the final hours before his death.

"He was a very courageous person," Frances said of her beloved son (quotes via The Boombox). "He was hopeful to the very end."

Yauch passed away yesterday (May 4) at 9 AM at New York Presbyterian Hospital following a nearly three-year cancer battle. He was 47 years old.

Yauch had been hospitalized since April 14, the same night he and his Beastie Boys bandmates were slated to be inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His bandmates and parents attended the ceremony, and he submitted a letter that Adam 'Ad-Rock' Horovitz read onstage. The ceremony, scheduled to be televised tonight (May 5), is now dedicated to MCA's memory.

Frances said that at the time of his passing, Yauch was conscious and surrounded by loved ones, including herself, his father, his wife, his daughter and his in-laws.

"It all just seemed to happen overnight," added. "He was a terrific guy and had a brief but really wonderful life. We are really proud of him."

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