Anita Pointer has passed away at the age of 74. The Grammy winner, known for her sister band the Pointer Sisters, passed away at her L.A. home yesterday, Saturday. Per her publicist, Roger Neal, she died from the cancer she was battling. Anita had previously undergone treatment for cancer back in 2011 - her passing comes just two years after sister Bonnie Pointer died in 2020. Tributes are pouring in for the '70s and '80s music face, also known for having opened up on feuding with her sisters during a 2019 interview with Daily Mail TV.
Anita Pointer, Grammy-Winning Pointer Sisters Singer, Dead At 74
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A Sad Loss
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The Pointer sisters won three Grammy awards and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. In a statement following Anita's death, her family said:
"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."
Anita formed the second eldest of four sibling sisters who began performing as the duo June and Bonnie back in 1969. The group was known for hits including I'm So Excited, Jump (For My Love) and Fire.
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Kept Everyone Close Together
In its statement, the family added, "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," while also requesting privacy at this difficult time. While the group began as a duo, it expanded to become a trio in 1972 - it was shortly after this time that the band achieved commercial success. The siblings were raised in the church of their father, an Oakland, CA preacher - and they sang in church.
Over multiple decades, the Pointer Sisters won three Grammy awards.
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Fan Tributes
Tributes have been pouring in on social media. Per OK! one fan left a note, writing:
“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."
Anita was born on January 23, 1948 in Oakland, CA and was one of six children. She was married several times and gave birth to one child. In 1965, she married David Harper - the couple welcomed daughter Jada in 1966. That same year, they divorced.
Sadly, daughter Jada died of cancer at the age of 37 and in 2003.
Celebrity Deaths
While billions have just welcomed in a New Year, the world has also suffered some major celebrity losses, both in recent days and weeks, and in months. Pope Benedict XVI died shortly before the New Year at the age of 95. Also lost in 2022 have been Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, fashion designer Vivienne Westood, and soccer star Pele, plus TV legend Barbara Walters.
