The 'Lady Sings the Blues' star remembers her late bandmate and offers condolences to her grieving family in the wake of the star's passing in Las Vegas.
- Feb 10, 2021
AceShowbiz - Diana Ross has saluted the memory of her The Supremes bandmate Mary Wilson following her death on Monday night (08Feb21).
The legendary singer passed away "suddenly" at her Las Vegas home, aged 76, and on Tuesday, her old classmate and fellow band co-founder Ross took to Twitter to share her sadness at the loss.
"I just woke up to this news, my condolences to you Mary's family," she wrote. "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 (sic)."
She also released a formal statement to Entertainment Tonight, adding, "I remember Mary's joy and love during happier times and our love and years together. I recall 'the good old days' with a smile in my heart and a song in my heart during these changing times. I'm happy to have known her. Love and condolences to her family."
Wilson's death leaves Ross as the only surviving member of the original R&B icons - fellow bandmate Florence Ballard died from a heart attack in 1976, aged 32.
Ross' comments emerge hours after Motown label founder Berry Gordy paid homage to Wilson, honouring her as "a trailblazer" and "a diva" who "will be deeply missed."
Other tributes have also been paid by actresses Whoopi Goldberg and Pam Grier, who tweeted, "Mary Wilson co-founding member of the Supremes, was so beautiful inside. She continued to sing all over the world. So gracious. Peace be still, lady (sic)."
"A Loved Supreme. Goodbye Mary Wilson...The Dreamgirl," added The Roots star Questlove, while singer Beverley Knight shared, "Mary Wilson along with Florence Ballard and Diana Ross changed the game permanently. Hit after hit after hit, on regular rotation to this day. A Supreme Titan may have left us but that legacy will never be surpassed. Rest in power #MaryWilson."
