The singer of the R&B group died at her home in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday. The cause of death is unknown.
"Yesterday, numbness fell upon our family. We are saddened to inform you that our dear sister, mother, aunt, niece and cousin, Joni passed away yesterday," the Sledge family announced in a statement released yesterday (Sunday, 13 March)
"Please pray for us as we weep for this loss. We do know that she is now eternally with Our Lord. We thank you in advance for allowing us the privacy to mourn quietly as a family. We miss her and hurt for her presence, her radiance, and the sincerity with which she loved & embraced life."

Joni formed the band back in 1971 with her sisters Debbie, Kim and Kathy. Apart from 'We Are Family', the sisters other hits included 'Lost in Music', 'He's The Greatest Dancer' and 'My Guy'.
Between 1975 and 2003, the sisters released ten albums and several compilations. Their biggest success was with their 'We Are Family' album released in 1979, which reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and number one on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.