Sly Stone's health issues explored as legendary funk musician passes away at 82

American pop, rock, and funk musician, songwriter, and record producer Sly Stone passed away on June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 82. According to his family’s statement to USA Today, the frontman of Sly and the Family Stone succumbed to COPD after a “prolonged battle.”

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family,” the statement read.

The family added:

“While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.”

According to the statement from Sly Stone’s family, he will be remembered as a “monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk and rock music,” and as someone whose iconic songs “have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.”

The family further extended their “deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time” and wished “peace and harmony to all who were touched by Sly's life and his iconic music.”

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Exploring more about Sly Stone’s health issues

Over the years, Sly Stone—whose real name is Sylvester Stewart—suffered from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), as per his family’s latest statement. They also shared he had “other underlying health issues,” though no further details were shared.

Earlier, in 1996, the musician spent several months in rehab due to substance abuse. Fast forward to 2011, and he was hospitalized due to cardiac problems. Eight years later, Stone returned to the hospital four times within a few weeks, as reported by PEOPLE. Following these episodes, he achieved sobriety.

During a 2023 interview with The Guardian, the High on You artist shared that in 2019, he “believed” his physicians when they told him he might die if he didn’t stop using drugs.

“That time, I not only listened to the doctor but believed him. I realized that I needed to clean up. I concentrated on getting strong so that I could get clean. My kids visited me at the hospital. My grandkids visited me. I left with a purpose,” Sly Stone said.

In February 2025, creators Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Joseph Patel revealed during a Q&A screening of Sly Stone's documentary that they didn’t feature him on camera as it didn’t “feel right” considering his weak health. Patel also shared that Stone didn’t have “the motor function.”

“He can't speak in full sentences. His eyes reveal a precociousness and a lucidity that's there, but his motor function doesn't exist,” Joseph added.

The Hulu documentary, titled Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius), focused on the life and career of the funk pioneer. The duo previously created the Oscar-winning documentary Summer of Soul in 2020, for which they interviewed Sly Stone.

Stone began as a DJ in San Francisco in the 1960s and 70s and later became a record producer for Autumn Records. In 1966, he founded the group Sly and the Family Stone with his two siblings, Freddie and Rose. The group initially created gospel music but later expanded into progressive soul, psychedelia, funk, pop, and rock.

The band released hit songs including Dance to the Music, Everyday People, and Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), among others. They eventually disbanded in the 1980s due to internal disputes and drug-related issues.

According to BBC reports, Stone “recently completed the screenplay for his life story,” his family shared, adding that the project will soon be released. He is survived by a son, Sylvester Stewart Jr., two daughters, Slyvetta Stewart and Novena Carmel, and his grandchildren.