The singer-songwriter’s publicist, Roger Neal, confirmed her death to Reuters, sharing that she died at her Beverly Hills home, surrounded by family, after a battle with cancer. The musical group started off as a duo between June and Bonnie Pointer in the late ’60s, with the late Pointer and Ruth joining to release their debut album, The Pointer Sisters, in 1973. Pointer helped write their hits “Fairytale,” which took home the Grammy for best country vocal performance, as well as “Could I Be Dreaming” and “I’m So Excited.” According to The Guardian, Pointer’s family said in a statement, “Heaven is a more loving beautiful place with Anita there,” calling her “the one that kept all of us close and together for so long.” Pointer was preceded in death by her sisters June and Bonnie, as well as her daughter, Jada Pointer, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 37, also due to cancer. Pointer went on to raise her granddaughter, Roxie McKain Pointer. Her family is “comforted in knowing [Pointer] is now with her daughter Jada and her sisters June & Bonnie and at peace.” They also said, “Her love of our family will live on in each of us." Katrina Leskanich of Katrina & The Waves, who toured with the band in the 80s, sent her condolences to the family via Twitter. “Anita was so kind & generous with her friendship & guidance to me. I learned a lot standing side of stage every night watching her amaze and excite the crowd,” she wrote in part. “I am so tired of saying goodbye to those who provided the soundtrack to my life. I bet you all are too. May the talented #AnitaPointer rest in peace,” said actress Yvette Nicole Brown. Childhood friend Lonnell Williams wrote, “To the world, she was part of a chart topping trio with an arsenal of hits…to me she was my jr high school friend @DrGinaMalak’s bonus mom. Talented, kind and always a class act. Heartbroken by this loss. Rest well Miss Anita. #AnitaPointer #ThePointerSisters”
