Singer Anita Pointer, who was part of the beloved disco band the Pointer Sisters, has passed away at 74.
Anita recorded iconic tracks such as I’m So Excited, alongside her sisters June and Bonnie, with the band producing many best-selling hits throughout the 70s and 80s.
Her publicist, Roger Neal, confirmed that the star passed away on New Year’s Eve surrounded by loved ones in Beverly Hills.
He told The Hollywood Reporter that Anita had fought “ a very heroic battle with cancer” prior to her death.
In the family’s statement, they said: "While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Anita, we are comforted in knowing she is now with her daughter, Jada and her sisters June & Bonnie and at peace.”
"Heaven is a more loving, beautiful place with Anita there. She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long.”
They added: "Her love of our family will live on in each of us,” the statement concluded, before requesting that fans respect her family's privacy."
Many will be saddened by the passing of the singer, who had been in the band with her sisters Bonnie and June since the late 60s.
Inspired by musicians like Elvis Presley, the band originally comprised of sisters Bonnie and June before Anita joined them after quitting her job as a secretary.
They would then record their first album in 1972 and went on to have several top-ten hits.
At the height of their success, the band won three Grammy awards and also received their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.
Their iconic Jump (For My Love) would later be used in the film Love Actually, during Hugh Grant’s dance through 10 Downing Street.
Anita would continue performing with the band until 2017, with her sister Ruth later joining the band.
Anita’s passing was also announced on the band’s official Twitter page, with fans leaving loving tributes to the singer.
One wrote: “I am so heartbroken Dear sweet,amazing,dynamic & loving Anita-you will be missed more than you ever know. May you rest in heavenly peace. You left this world a much better place. Enjoy the splendors of heaven with your beautiful sisters”
Many also focused on Anita’s incredible musical talent, with one fan writing: “ She was fabulous and beautiful inside and out. Her voice was such a special gift. She will be missed. Prayers to Ruth and family.”
Another thanked the later singer for her music, writing: “RIP! Ms. Anita Pointer! One of the best who ever did it! A beautiful lady with a beautiful and loving spirit Anita sang and written some of the most touching and beautiful songs. The Pointer Sisters Music is the sound track of my life!”
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