Former member of The Supremes Diana Ross has released a statement about the death of her bandmate Mary Wilson, saying the band "will live on in our hearts".
I just woke up to this news , my condolences to you Mary's family ,I am reminded that each day is a gift ,I have so many wonderful memories of our time together "The Supremes " will live on ,in our hearts 💕
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) February 9, 2021
Posting on her Twitter account, Ross (76) said, "I just woke up to this news , my condolences to you Mary's family, I am reminded that each day is a gift, I have so many wonderful memories of our time together "The Supremes " will live on, in our hearts,"
Wilson died at the age of 76 on Monday at her home in Las Vegas.
She was only 15 years old when she formed The Supremes with Ross and Florence Ballard, who died aged 32 in 1976, leaving Ross as the sole survivor of one of the most successful girl bands in pop history.
Berry Gordy (91), the founder of Motown Records and Ross’s former romantic partner, released a statement to Variety in which he paid tribute to Wilson.
"I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a major member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of the Supreme," he said.
"The Supremes were always known as the 'sweethearts of Motown.’ Mary, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, came to Motown in the early 1960s. After an unprecedented string of No. 1 hits, television, and nightclub bookings, they opened doors for themselves, the other Motown acts, and many, many others. … I was always proud of Mary.
"She was quite a star in her own right and over the years continued to work hard to boost the legacy of the Supremes. Mary Wilson was extremely special to me. She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed."
Tributes have also flooded in from other names in the music world.
Mary Wilson along with Florence Ballard and Diana Ross changed the game permanently. Hit after hit after hit, on regular rotation to this day. A Supreme Titan may have left us but that legacy will never be surpassed. Rest in power #MaryWilson ❤️ https://t.co/q54gUFLmcl pic.twitter.com/li8ndoy7yx
— Beverley Knight💙 (@Beverleyknight) February 9, 2021
To a female trailblazer and forever Sweetheart of Motown, who brought many timeless records for generations to come - Thank You.
— Motown Records (@motown) February 9, 2021
Your art and your legacy will forever live on in the Motown story. From our Motown family, rest in paradise @MWilsonSupreme 🕊 pic.twitter.com/YwsZM41g9v
RIP Mary Wilson. Legendary founding member of the Supremes and fantastic solo artist. I had a wonderful conversation with her just before the quarantine. She was full of energy and plans so this is shocking as well as tragic. Our love and condolences go to her family and friends.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) February 9, 2021
