Mary Wilson, co-founder of girl super-group The Supremes, dies aged 76

The Supremes singer Mary Wilson has died at the age of 76, with the news of her death shared via the band’s social media page on Tuesday.

The legendary musician, who was one of the longest-reigning members of the female singing group, died “suddenly and unexpectedly” at her Las Vegas home on Monday, her publicist Jay Schwartz told ET News.

“I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a major member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of The Supremes,” record producer and Motown founder Berry Gordy said in a statement on Monday.

“The Supremes were always known as the ‘sweethearts of Motown’. Mary, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, came to Motown in the early 1960s. After an unprecedented string of number one hits, television and nightclub bookings, they opened doors for themselves, the other Motown acts, and many, many others.

“She was quite a star in her own right and over the years continued to work hard to boost the legacy of The Supremes. Mary Wilson was extremely special to me. She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed.”

Tributes for the star have since begun to pour in, with fellow bandmate Diana Ross, who’s the last surviving member of the girl super-group, leading tributes. “I just woke up to this news, my condolences to you Mary’s family,” she wrote on Twitter. “I am reminded that each day is a gift, I have so many wonderful memories of our time together. The Supremes will live on, in our hearts.”

American actress Jackée Harry added: “I’m at a total loss for words. Mary Wilson was a trailblazer and an icon. She was also one of my dearest friends.”

Fans have also shared their condolences, with one writing: “We lost a Supreme voice and beautiful person. Rest in peace Mary Wilson Prayers to her family.”

Mary Wilson got together with Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Betty McGlown to form The Primettes in 1959. But McGlown was replaced by Barbara Martin a year later and the group changed its name to The Supremes. Martin, who left The Supremes in 1962, before the group hit the big time, died last year, at the age of 76, while Florence Ballard, who was with the group until 1967, died of a heart attack aged just 32 in 1976.

Diana Ross, 76, who left The Supremes in 1970 to pursue a solo career, continues working, releasing a collection of remixes of her greatest hits, made in collaboration with JD Eric Kupper, just last year.