Mary Wilson, a founding member of the Supremes and Motown Legend has died in her Nevada home, according to her publicist.
Wilson was 76 years old.
Recommended Videos
Her cause of death was not released.
Berry Gordy, founder of the Motown record label, said in a statement: “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. She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed.”
Wilson was just 15 years old when her, Diana Ross and Florence Ballard formed the Supremes and went on to become Motown’s most successful act. They’re also still the best-charting female group in U.S. history.
Motown Records also tweeted overnight.
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
The Jacksons also tweeted overnight.
Rest in paradise, @MWilsonSupreme.❤️ pic.twitter.com/j0xh4uHjXz
— The Jacksons (@Jacksons) February 9, 2021
The Supremes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.