Who was Sly Stone married to? All about actress Kathy Silva as Funk Rock legend dies at 82

Sly Stone, renowned frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, has passed away at the age of 82. Born Sylvester Stewart, he had endured chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other health complications for years. His publicist, Carleen Donovan, confirmed his death, revealing that he passed away on June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles.

His family released a statement, which said:

“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.”

After forming his band, Sly and the Family Stone, in 1966 in California, Sly Stone married Kathy Silva in 1974 during one of their performances at Madison Square Garden. They have a son named Sylvester Jr., who was born a few months before their wedding.

Here are more details about Kathy Silva.

All you need to know about Sly Stone’s ex-wife Kathy Silva

On June 5, 1974, Sly Stone married Kathy Silva at a ceremony on stage before the beginning of the concert by Sly and The Family Stone at Madison Square. Twenty thousand guests reportedly attended their wedding.

According to Silva’s IMDb profile, she was born on November 25, 1948, in San Francisco, California. She was a striking young Hawaiian girl who grew up to become a model and actress. She is known for her work in films such as Soylent Green (1973), Switch (1975), and Bearcats! (1971).

She became famous after marrying Stone, a music icon in funk during the 1960s and 1970s. According to Vintage Showbiz, the two met in the 1960s and quickly formed a strong connection.

Silva’s marriage to the singer was a highly publicized event that was elaborately planned. Their wedding attire was designed by celebrity fashion designer Halston. It was decided that New York State champagne would be served with the wedding cake. Japanese food, fried chicken, and soul-food hors d’oeuvres were featured on the menu, according to a report in The New Yorker.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Bishop B. R. Stewart of the Church of God in Christ in San Francisco. However, his marriage did not last long, as the couple separated in 1976. Silva later cited the chaotic lifestyle, including drug use and turmoil, as reasons for the split. She told People magazine in 1996:

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“He beat me, held me captive and wanted me to be in ménages à trois. I didn’t want that world of drugs and weirdness. He’d write me a song or promise to change, and I’d try again. We were always fighting, then getting back together.”

After their marriage, Silva maintained a low public profile. In addition to having a son with his former wife, Sly Stone has a daughter, Sylvyette Phunne, with Cynthia Robinson, and another daughter, Novena Carmel, with Deborah King.

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