Joni Sledge, Of Sister Sledge, Dies At 60

Joni Sledge, founding member of the group, Sister Sledge, has died at age 60. The singer was found unresponsive Friday (March 10), at her home in Phoenix.

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The Sledge family confirmed the death in a statement released Saturday (March 11). “Numbness fell upon our family,” reads the statement. “We welcome your prayers as we weep the loss of our sister, mother, aunt, niece and cousin, Joni Sledge. We thank you for privacy and prayers during these very difficult times.”

A cause of death has yet to be determined.

The legendary singer founded Sister Sledge along with sisters, Debbie, Kim and Kathy, in 1971. The Philly-based collective scored their best known hit, “We Are Family” in 1979. The Grammy-Nominated single reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Sister Sledge also earned other U.S. hits including, “Reach Your Peak”which was led by Joni, “Mama Never Told Me” “Lost in Music,” and a 1982 cover of “My Guy.”

Memorial services will be announced early next week.