Anita Pointer, star of sibling group Pointer Sisters, has died aged 74.
A statement from the Automatic star’s publicist confirmed the singer died surrounded by her family at her home in Beverley Hills, California.
“Heaven is a more loving beautiful place with Anita there,” her family said in a statement.
The second oldest of four siblings released their eponymous debut album in 1973. Although initially incorporating elements of funk, soul and R&B, they later introduced a modern pop sound and found success with hits including I’m So Excited and Jump (For My Love) in the early eighties.
Although successful professionally, Anita’s personal life was struck by tragedy when, in 2003, her only child, Jada Pointer, died from cancer aged 37.
She went on to raise her granddaughter, Roxie McKain Pointer, and her family said they were “comforted in knowing she is now with her daughter Jada and her sisters June & Bonnie and at peace”.