Folk singer Peter Yarrow — writer of the timeless classic "Puff the Magic Dragon" and one-third of the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary — died Tuesday, a family representative said. He was 86 and had been diagnosed with bladder cancer four years ago.

The "Puff, the Magic Dragon" songwriter's reputation took a hit when he pleaded guilty to taking indecent liberties with a 14-year-old in 1969; he later received a presidential pardon.

Peter Yarrow, the singer-songwriter, activist and founding member of the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has died at 86 after battling bladder cancer.