Grammy-winning singer Anita Pointer dies aged 74

Founding member of The Pointer Sisters had been diagnosed with cancer

Singer Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters died on December 31, 2022. AP Photo

Grammy-winning singer Anita Pointer died on Saturday at the age of 74 after being diagnosed with cancer, her publicist said.

One of the founding members of R&B group The Pointer Sisters, she delighted fans across the world with hits including I'm So Excited, Jump (For My Love) and Fire.

Along with sisters June and Ruth, the group from Oakland, California released their first album in 1973 before going on to win three Grammy Awards.

"Sad to report my client Grammy Winner Anita Pointer of the Pointer Sisters has passed away after a heroic battle with cancer," Roger Neal said on Instagram.

She died on New Year's Eve at her home in Los Angeles where she was surrounded by family, Neal told CNN.

"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 and Bonnie and at peace," Pointer's family said.

"Heaven is a more loving beautiful place with Anita there."

Sheikh Khalifa, Queen Elizabeth II, Pele and 119 notable names we lost in 2022 — in pictures