Who are Sly Stone’s children? All we know about Sylvester Jr, Phunne and Novena

Sly Stone, a funk music legend of the 1960s, passed away at the age of 82 on June 9, 2025.

His family confirmed his death in a statement released on his official social media account. It read:

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone.”

The statement added that he had been battling with COPD and other underlying health issues. According to People magazine, Stone is survived by his three children: daughter Novena Carmel, son Sylvester Stewart Jr., and another daughter, Phunne Stone.

The statement mentioned that Sly Stone

"..was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music. His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.”

In March 2025, he celebrated his 82nd birthday, a glimpse of which was shared on his children's Instagram account. Here is what we know about them.

Everything we know about Sly Stone’s kids

Sly Stone is survived by his three kids - Sylvester Stewart Jr., Sylvette Phunne Stone, and Novena Carmel. He was once married to model and actress Kathy Silva.

Stone, whose real name is Sylvester Stewart, became a key figure in the music industry during the 1960s and 1970s. He delivered hits such as Everyday People, Stand! and Family Affair.

According to a statement released by his family on his demise, he recently completed a screenplay for his life story, which will soon be shared with the world. That comes in the wake of his memoir, which was published in 2024.

Kathy Silva was his first wife, with whom he welcomed his son, Sylvester Jr. Silva, born in 1973. He had a daughter named Sylvette Phunne Stone from his second marriage to Cynthia Robinson. She was born in 1976. Stone also welcomed a second daughter, Novena Carmel, in 1982.

Stone later became involved in drugs, which even affected his music, and he eventually split from his band in the ‘80s. According to a report published by People magazine, he went clean in 2019.

In February 2025, Questlove released a documentary based on the life and legacy of Sly Stone, which narrated the story behind his rise and fall. It also features interviews with his three kids, who shared their experiences about their bonding with Stone.

His son shared that he didn’t have many “normal” stories with his father while growing up. He told People magazine,

“A lot has been taken from him over the years, but I’ve always felt like I know where his soul is coming from and I know where his heart is coming from. These last few years are the most normal times I’ve had with him.”

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Her daughter Phunne Stone shared that the drugs helped her father to be fearless, who she believed was a shy person. Her second daughter opened up about how she “didn’t have a lot of interaction” with her father. She recalled that when she was 10 years old, she called his house only to find out that he didn’t know who she was.

According to Novena’s bio on her official website, she is a DJ, host, presenter, voice artist and curator who was born and raised in San Francisco. Stone’s middle child, Phunne, is also a singer, songwriter, and rap artist, per her Instagram profile. Stone’s son, Sylvester Jr. Silva, has maintained a low public profile.

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