Sly (Sylvester) Stone, the groundbreaking frontman of Sly & the Family Stone, has died today at age 82 after a prolonged battle with COPD and other health issues. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and extended family. 

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone," his family said in a statement published by PEOPLE on Monday, June 9. "After a prolonged battle with C.O.P.D. (lung disease) and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family. While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come."

The iconic Stone revolutionized popular music in the late 1960s and early ’70s by fusing funk, soul, rock, R&B, and psychedelia. Born March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, and raised in California, he formed Family Stone in 1967 with his siblings and other musicians. Hits like "Dance to the Music," "Everyday People," and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" became anthems of unity and liberation.

This February, musician and music historian Questlove debuted the film “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius),”  on Hulu. The documentary delved into the story of Stone’s life, legacy, and his challenges with substance abuse. 

Despite immense success, including a standout performance at Woodstock and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1993, Stone faced a public struggle with addiction, leading to the band’s breakup in the mid-’70s. He achieved sobriety in 2019, inspired by his health challenges, and in recent years completed a memoir and a screenplay about his life