Sly Stone's Family: All About Ex-Wife Kathy Silva and Daughters Sylvyette and Novena Carmel

Sylvester Stewart, famously known as Sly Stone, the pioneering frontman of the iconic funk band Sly and the Family Stone, has passed away at 82. His family announced his death on Monday, June 9, in a touching statement to USA Today. 'After a prolonged battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and other health complications, Sly passed away peacefully,' the statement said. He was surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and loved ones in his final moments.

Sly Stone, renowned for genre-defining hits such as 'Everyday People' and 'Dance to the Music,' leaves behind an enduring musical legacy that has helped shape funk, pop, and rock music. 'While we are deeply saddened by his passing, we find comfort in the impact his music continues to have across generations,' his family said.

The statement also noted that Stone had recently completed the screenplay for his life story, which follows the 2024 release of his memoir. The family plans to share the screenplay publicly in the future as a tribute to his lasting creative spirit.

Sly Stone married model and actress Kathy Silva on June 5, 1974, in a high-profile ceremony held during a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. The couple separated two years later following a traumatic incident in which their young son was attacked by Stone’s dog.

Their son, Sylvester Jr., was born in late 1973. Stone also had two daughters: Sylvyette (who goes by her middle name Phunne), born around 1976 to Family Stone bandmate Cynthia Robinson, and Novena Carmel, born circa 1982. Novena is a musician and co-host of KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic, as well as a booking agent and performer based in Los Angeles.