RIP Sly Stone: Everything about the musician

Sly Stone, the funk-rock star, passed away at the age of 82, after battling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health issues. He died on June 9, 2025, and was surrounded by family.

Who was Sly Stone?

Born on March 15, 1943, in Dexton, Texas, Sly Stone (Slyvester Stewart) and his family soon moved to Vallejo, California. Reared in church music, he made a gospel with his other 3 siblings called ‘The Stewart Four’ when he was just 8 years old. At 11 years old, Stone was adept at keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. Soon, in the 1960s and 1970s, Sly rose to stardom after becoming a DJ in San Francisco. He started his career at radio stations, then formed a band ‘Sly and the Family Stone,’ which included his brother.

While he was known for his gospels, the star started blending music styles, including psychedelia and funk.

Sly Stone's family

Sly Stone had tied the knot with the famed model and actress, Kathy Silva, with whom he exchanged vows on the stage of the packed concert with 21,000 fans at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 5, 1974. However, they got divorced in 1976, and shared a son, Sylvester Stewart Jr., who was born in 1973.Stone has two daughters, Slyvetta Stewart and Novena Carmel, from relationships with the Sly and Family Stone trumpeter Cynthia Robinson and Deborah King, the daughter of blues musician B.B.

King. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Sly Stone’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000 in 2024.

The statement given by the family

Sly Stone’s family released a statement about his passing: “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, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family. 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.

”Sly Stone’s records made it to the charts, and topped the lists, including ‘Everyday People,’ ‘Hot Fun in the Summertime,’ ‘Runnin’ Away,’ ‘If You Want Me to Stay,’ ‘Stand!’ and ‘Family Affair.’