Anita Pointer from Grammy winning 'The Pointer Sisters' has died at the age of 74.
The group - which originally consisted of sisters June and Bonnie before being joined by siblings, Anita and Ruth - achieved mainstream success during the 1970s and 1980s.
June sadly passed away from cancer in April 2006 and Ruth's daughter Issa Pointer joined the group.
Bonnie, who left the group to pursue a solo career, also passed at the age of 69 in 2020.
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Publicist Roger Neal has now revealed that Anita has sadly died, which marks the end of the original trio.
The family said in a statement: "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.
"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."
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Ruth is the only surviving sister.
The group won a Grammy Award in 1975 for Best Country Vocal Performance for 'Fairytale' and won two more Grammys in 1984 for the top 10 hits 'Automatic' and 'Jump (For My Love)'.
Anita also raised her granddaughter Roxie McKain Pointer after her daughter Jada passed away in 2003.
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Between 2009 and 2015, the family group consisted of Anita, Ruth, Issa, and Ruth's granddaughter Sadako Pointer.
The four would rotate between each other and perform as a trio.
In 2016, Billboard ranked them as the 80th most successful dance artists of all-time before landing the 99 spot as the most successful Hot 100 Artist of all-time in December 2017.
Anita retired in 2015 due to ill health.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late singer as one fan tweeted: "Prayers be with the family and this time of sorrow so glad I met the original pointer sisters. Rest in heaven and the reunion of your sisters and family."
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Another commented: "My condolences go out to her family and friends. I am saddened to hear of this loss. The music world has loss another popular vocal star of the twentieth century. She will be missed but not forgotten. May she rest in peace!"
A third person added: "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.
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"Deepest sympathy to Ruth & fam."
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