What happened to Sly Stone? Health struggles explored as Sly and the Family Stone leader dies at 82

Sylvester Stewart, better known as Sly Stone, died on Monday, June 9, 2025. The frontman of the funk band Sly and the Family Stone passed away with close ones by his side, his family told Rolling Stone in a statement. They said,

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family. 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.”

They added,

“[Sly Stone] recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course.”

According to Rolling Stone, the family statement confirmed that Sly Stone died following his longstanding struggles with “COPD and other underlying issues.” Per BBC, COPD (or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a condition that impacts the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe.

Stewart remarked on his condition and drug problem in his 2023 book Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin): A Memoir. The autobiography’s title was inspired by an eponymous Sly and Family Stone song that was recorded in 1969 and released in ‘70. According to Billboard, Sylvester, who was suffering from COPD, wrote in his memoir,

“Then came the Four Visits. Fifty years of drugs, plus age, plus stress, made the hospital a regular stop.”

Per SFGate, Sly Stone’s memoir detailed the issues the musician had over the years due to drugs. His book claimed that the singer-songwriter struggled with substance abuse between 1980 and 2019. Per AllMusic, Stone faced an arrest in 1987 and was imprisoned for possession of cocaine, but his struggles continued for years.

According to SFGate, Stewart stopped using drugs following his fourth hospitalization and claimed to be clean during the final years of his life.

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Tributes pour in on X after Sylvester "Sly Stone" Stewart dies at 82

The musician behind Everyday People, Family Affair, Dance to the Music, and many more hits is no more. Sylvester Stewart was 82 when he passed away in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones. After news of his death broke out on X, many paid their tributes to the pioneer singer-songwriter.

Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive), former frontman of the retired band Kiss, shared an anecdote about Sly and the Family Stone on X,

“Sly Stone Has Died. In 1968 I saw Sly & the Family Stone debut at the Fillmore East in New York City opening for Jimi Hendrix. They were a freight train of bombastic, joyous SouI that would soon climb the charts and change the sound of R&B for so many other artists. Rest In Soul!”

PR executive Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) posted on X,

“Rest easy Sly Stone. You changed music (and me) forever. The time he won over Ed Sullivan's audience in 1968. Simply magical.”

Donnie Simpson (@Donnie Simpson), a well-known DJ and Radio Hall of Famer, shared a video message on X and wrote,

“We lost a true legend today #SlyStone. He was 82 years old. Condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Thank you for your music and all that you gave us. RIP My Brother 🙏🏾🕊️ #soul #legend #funk”

Canadian music publicist and radio host Eric Alper (@ThatEricAlper) shared his condolences on X,

“RIP Sly Stone (1943–2025), the funk pioneer who made the world dance, think, and get higher. His music changed everything—and it still does.”

Rapper Carlton Douglas “Chuck D” Ridenhour (@MrChuckD) wrote on X,

“Rest In Beats SLY Stone ..and we should THANK ⁦@questlove⁩ of ⁦@theroots⁩ for keeping his FIRE blazing in this Century. 2 documentaries and book . GET EM”

The Autobiography of Mistachuck rapper also posted,

“………and The Family Stone Rest In Beats SLY”

Apart from the notable industry names, many fans of Sly and his band also shared their condolences on X.

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Sylvester Stewart, who leaves behind a massive legacy, is survived by his three children – son Sylvester Stewart Jr. and daughters Sylvyette Phunne Robinson and Novena Carmel.