[Nicky91]

Legendary Motown singer Mary Wilson has died aged 76, her publicist has confirmed.

The star, an integral member of soul pioneers The Supremes, died suddenly at her home in Las Vegas on February 8th. A cause of death is yet to be announced.

Long-term publicist Jay Schwartz confirmed that Wilson's funeral service will be held privately in accordance with current health and safety guidelines, but a public memorial will be scheduled for later in the year.



Along with band-mates Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, Wilson was at the forefront of the Motown sound after signing with the label in 1961 when she was 15-years old, originally as a member of The Primettes before the group changed their name.

Paying tribute to Wilson in a statement on Monday night, Motown founder Berry Gordy said: '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 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. … I was always proud of Mary.