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Joni Sledge died of natural causes, Sister Sledge confirm in family statement
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Sister Sledge have released a family statement following the death of their sister Joni, who died last week aged 60.
The band pay tribute to their "forever beautiful, forever loved" sister in the statement, which also confirms she died of natural causes which arose from complications from a pre-existing condition.
The remaining members of the group, Debbie and Kim, have vowed to continuing touring as a group.
The statement reads: "We are experiencing painful loss, however at the same time we can honestly say that we have the 'peace that passes all understanding' and the 'Joy of the Lord', which is our strength, because we know without a doubt that she is in heaven with our loving mother Florez Sledge and more importantly our Lord Jesus / Yeshua the Christ!
"She is at peace, and knowing that, comforts us. Our Joni was a beautiful person, a phenomenal artist and producer, a brilliant business woman and a powerhouse…truly Flo’s daughter! What an incredible privilege and honor for us to have known, lived and worked with such an enormous personality! Her greatest love and joy was her son Thaddeus (whom we are all very proud of), and performing live with her family.
"In the spirit of sisterhood and in the Sister Sledge tradition, we will honor Joni Sledge, her zest for life, her strength of character, her creative talent, her powerhouse personality, and her loving memory by spreading joy through her songs and shining light and love through music.
"We are committed to continuing the Sister Sledge tradition of unity, family, empowerment, and sisterhood! We will continue with great honor in celebration of the beautiful life of our dear sister, Joni Sledge. Her love lives on in all of us. We are sisters. We are Flo's daughters. We are one. We are family..."
Sister Sledge were one of the defining bands of the disco era, notching up 12 Top 40 singles in the UK between 1975 and 1993. Their hits include He's The Greatest Dancer, We Are Family, Thinking Of You, Lost In Music and their only Number 1 single, 1985's Frankie.
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SELINA HOLMAN
One of my favorite girl bands in the 70s / 80s. Had the honor of seeing them all together at Radio City Music Hall with my best friend. We always wanted a girl band of our own. We practiced their music for years. I will miss Joni Sledge. Would love to see Kathy rejoin the band as they say, they are always true sisters.
Laika & Mishka Fan
Such a loss and shock; 60 is still too young. Rest in peace, Joni.
Cstok002
You will be missed, Ms Sledge!!!!!!
Floy Joy
Always liked Sister Sledge, from their first hit (1974) "Mama never Told Me" onwards. So sad about Joni Sledge, she sang lead on "Lost In Music" and on other great album tracks. Would be great if Kathy Sledge rejoined the group as they would make a fine trio. Always felt her voice was one of the most under-rated, and she sang lead on most of the groups big hits.