A FOUNDING member of the Pointer Sisters passed away yesterday in Beverly Hills.
Publicist Roger Neal said Anita Pointer died surrounded by her family on Saturday.
Anita Porter has died at 74Credit: GettyThe founding member of the music group "kept the family close"Credit: GettyThe family said in a statement: "While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Anita, we are comforted in knowing she is now with her daughter Jada and her sisters June & Bonnie and at peace.
"She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long. Her love of our family will live on in each of us."
The Pointer Sisters formed in Oakland, California, and first found success in the 1970s.
Celtic icon Frank McGarvey dies aged 66 as tributes paid to hero after cancer fightThe group won three Grammy awards and were honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.
Ruth Pointer is the only surviving sister of the music group, after June Pointer died in 2006 and Bonnie Pointer died in 2020.
Anita began raising her granddaughter Roxie McKain Pointer after her daughter's untimely death in 2003.
The group released their first album in 1973, and went on to win three Grammy Awards and gained 13 US Top 20 hits between 1973 and 1985.
Ruth Pointer is now the only surviving member of the groupCredit: GettyThe music group gained worldwide fame for their soulful hitsCredit: Getty Images - Getty