Sly Stone, funk pioneer and Sly and the Family Stone icon, dies at 82
Sly Stone of the American funk band Sly and the Family Stone has died at the age of 82. His death was confirmed by his family, who shared a statement with the press on Monday, June 9, 2025, shortly after the funk band's leader succumbed to death on the same day. The statement, as shared by People, also revealed the musician's health struggles leading to his death.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully," the statement read.
According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an "ongoing lung condition caused by damage to the lungs." That said, Stone's family didn't specify his "underlying health conditions."
Iconic rocker Sly Stone reportedly died with his three children—his son Sylvester Jr. and two daughters, Sylvester and Novena Carmel—beside him, along with his closest friend and some extended family members.
In the statement, his family remembered him as a "monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer" who helped redefine pop, funk, and rock music. It further reads:
"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."
Read more: How to watch Sly Lives aka The Burden of Black Genius?
Sly Stone's private health battle explored amid news of his death
Sly Stone struggled with drug use throughout his life, particularly during the peak years of Sly and Family Stone. His addiction reportedly impacted the group, ultimately leading to the band's split in the 1980s, according to People. He was also reportedly arrested in Florida in 1983 on charges of cocaine possession.
However, he got clean in 2019 after his fourth visit to the hospital within a few weeks due to his drug use. He recalled that moment in his life as a choice between drugs and life in an interview with The Guardian in 2023. He said this about choosing to get clean:
"It wasn't that I didn't like the drugs. If it hadn't been a choice between them and life, I might still be doing them."
He told that outlet that his doctor had already warned him during his second hospital visit, but he didn't stop until the fourth, saying:
"That time, I not only listened to the doctor but believed him. I realized I needed to clean up. I concentrated on getting strong so that I could get clean."
In February 2025, Questlove released the Sly Stone documentary, Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius). However, the rocker was not featured on camera for the project, and producer Joseph Patel explained why. During a Q&A screening of the movie that same month, he said that it didn't "feel right" to brandish Stone in front of the camera due to his frail health.
He further mentioned that they interviewed Stone in 2020 for a separate documentary, Summer of Soul. At that time, the rocker had reportedly just gotten clean, and "he doesn't have the motor function." Patel added that Stone's motor function "doesn't exist" and that he couldn't speak in full sentences.
Besides Sly Stone, Sly and Family Stone also featured his siblings Freddie and Rose.
