Famed singer Anita Pointer, part of the iconic Pointer Sisters, passed away Saturday surrounded by her family at her Beverly Hills home.
According to a statement released by her publicist Roger Neal, Pointer had been fighting a heroic battle with cancer.
She was the second oldest of four sisters, and the trio evolved into a quartet when Anita joined in 1969. Ruth, the only remaining Pointer Sister, was present when Anita passed.
“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,” Ruth said in a statement.
“She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long. Her love of our family will live on in each of us,” Ruth said.
She closed off her comments by writing, “Please respect our privacy during this period of grief and loss. Heaven is a more loving beautiful place with Anita there.”
The Pointer Sisters are remembered for their influence on the music industry, and Anita will always be remembered as one of the founders of the iconic group.
The Pointer Sisters, renowned for their hits “I’m So Excited,” “Jump,” “Slow Hand,” “Fire,” “He’s So Shy” and “Neutron Dance,” have had a long-lasting impact on the music industry. The group took the airwaves by storm and achieved several number-one singles on the charts.
They even won multiple Grammys and became the first African American group to make an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Continuing their success throughout their decades-long career, the Pointer Sisters have earned countless awards and accolades.