The music world lost a legend on Monday, Feb. 8 when Supremes singer Mary Wilson died at the age of 76. According to what her publicist told Entertainment Tonight, Wilson's death was sudden and unexpected, and she passed away in her Henderson, Nevada home. Her cause of death has not been reported. Wilson received an outpouring of love and condolences for her family after the news was reported, including from Wilson's Supremes bandmate Diana Ross, who mourned the singer on Twitter.
Read on to see what Ross said in her tweet, and to reminisce about their history together in the Supremes. And to read about other beloved celebrity who we recently lost, here's a look at Cicely Tyson's Life in Photos.
Ross recalled their many "wonderful memories" together.
Diana Ross/TwitterIn a tweet posted on Tuesday morning, Ross sent her condolences to Wilson's family and reflected on their time in the group.
"I just woke up to this news," Ross wrote. "My condolences to you Mary's family, I am reminded that each day is a gift, I have so many wonderful memories of our time together 'The Supremes' will live on, in our hearts."
Wilson's family includes her daughter Turkessa, son Pedro, 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
For more on iconic celebs like Wilson and Ross, check out The Biggest Female Icon Every Year Since You Were Born.
Other celebrities shared their reactions to Wilson's passing.
BNA Photographic/Alamy Stock PhotoIn addition to Ross, some other celebs who either knew Wilson or simply loved her music tweeted in celebration of her life. Actor Viola Davis wrote, "RIP Mary Wilson! Godspeed."
Talk show host Loni Love shared, "What an [sic] blessing to have had the Supreme Mary Wilson on #thereal. I was over the moon to meet her, she grew up in the same Detroit Projects as I and she showed me that I could make it out. Talented and beautiful.. She will be missed. RIP."
Writer and activist Janet Mock tweeted, "Thank you Ms Mary Wilson for showing us all how to be Supreme."
Queen Eye star Karamo Brown, who met Wilson when they were both on Dancing with the Stars, wrote, "My heart is broken! I got to know #MaryWilson on @DancingABC and she was one of the sweetest, most vibrant, talented women I had ever met. I will miss you!"
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The founder of Motown Records also released a statement.
Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.comMotown Records founder Berry Gordy signed the Supremes, as well as other huge acts like Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight. He released a statement on Wilson's death to ET.
"I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a major member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of the Supremes," the statement reads. "The Supremes were always known as the 'sweethearts of Motown.' Mary, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, came to Motown in the early 1960’s. After an unprecedented string of number one hits, television and nightclub bookings, they opened doors for themselves, the other Motown acts, and many, many others. I was always proud of Mary. She was quite a star in her own right and over the years continued to work hard to boost the legacy of the Supremes. Mary Wilson was extremely special to me. She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed."
For more on musicians of the past, read This Was the Hottest Pop Star the Year You Graduated.
Wilson was the only Supreme who remained in the group from beginning to end.
Joe Seer / Shutterstock.comWilson founded the Supremes with Ross, Florence Ballard, and Betty McGlown as the Primettes. While there were multiple line-up changes over the years—notably, Ross left in 1970—Wilson stuck with the group until it disbanded in 1977. Wilson was around for all of the group's hits, including "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," and "Come See About Me."
In January, Wilson was interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter about the 60th anniversary of the Supremes. When asked about ever reuniting with Ross, she said, "It’s really up to Diana. I don't think she wants to do that." She continued, "So therefore I'm going on with my life. I look at it like this, especially with this pandemic: Who knows when the end may come. And at 76 and a half years old I'm not going to sit around waiting for something. As my mother used to say, don't cry over spilled milk. I have too much to live for now and be happy about."
For more mid-century nostalgia, check out 20 Things All '60s Kids Remember.
