Sly Stone's Family Shares Details of His Private Health Struggles Following His Death at 82

Music legend Sly Stone has died at age 82, with his family revealing he had been privately battling chronic health conditions in the final years of his life.

Sly Stone, the trailblazing frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, has died at 82. His family announced his passing in a statement released on Monday, June 9, 2025.

"After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family," the family said.

Stone, whose real name was Sylvester Stewart, had kept his health struggles largely private. The family disclosed that he had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but did not specify additional conditions. Instead, they chose to celebrate his artistic legacy.

"Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music," they shared. "His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable."

Sly and the Family Stone, which included his siblings Freddie and Rose, was known for its genre-defying sound and socially conscious lyrics. Their chart-topping hits, including "Dance to the Music," "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," and "Everyday People," helped shape the sound of late-20th-century American music.

Despite their success, the group was ultimately derailed by internal tensions and Stone's struggles with substance abuse. The band parted ways in the 1980s.

In later years, Stone largely withdrew from the public eye, though he confirmed in 2019 that he had given up drugs entirely.

A multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and dynamic performer, Stone was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 for his revolutionary contributions to music.