As reported by Variety, Bonnie Pointer of iconic R&B group The Pointer Sisters—and her own successful solo career—has died. The news was confirmed in a statement from her sister, Anita Pointer, saying, “It is with great sadness that I have to announce to fans of the Pointer Sisters that my sister Bonnie died this morning,” adding, “Our family is devastated.” Anita Pointer’s statement went on to talk about how Bonnie was her best friend, saying, “We never had a fight in our life. I already miss her and I will see her again one day.” A cause of death has not been given. Pointer was 69.
Born Patricia Pointer in 1950, Bonnie Pointer began singing with her youngest sister June as teenager in the ‘60s. The duo officially became The Pointer Sisters when Anita joined, followed shortly by older sister Ruth Pointer in the ‘70s, and the group released its debut album in 1973 (featuring the hit “Yes We Can Can”). A year later, The Pointer Sisters landed a Best Vocal By A Duo Or Group Grammy for the country song “Fairytale,” with Bonnie and Anita Pointer also receiving Best Country Song nominations for writing the track.