We know it’s the last thing music fans of all ages want to hear just hours after a variety of holiday celebrations have officially ended, but on this cold winter night, we regret to inform you all of the passing of legendary performer and multi-instrumentalist Teena Marie, age 54.
We hear Teena Marie’s beloved daughter, Rose, who just celebrated her birthday on Christmas Day, reportedly found her mother dead at her home.
News, rumors and unconfirmed reports within the last hour have quickly begun to spread just rapidly as the snow is falling in the northeast that the iconic singer has died. No word of any details concerning Teena Marie’s health issues of any kind have surfaced as of yet.
Celebrities, entertainers and fellow performers from every genre have caught onto the news via Twitter and are beginning to speak out, but many are still awaiting the truth from quite a few conflicting reports. A group of fans who follow Teena Marie on Twitter also state “she just tweeted” referring to the singer’s holiday wishes via her official account – @MsTeenaMarie.
@wdasfm (WDAS, 105.3 FM, The Adult Mix Philadelphia): “Music legend Teena Marie has died at the age of 54…”
@TheRealRonIsley (R&B legend Ronald Isley): “Sorry guys, yes, Teena Marie has passed away…”
@questlove (Ahmir ?uestlove of The Roots): “Something is telling me my hacked instincts are right. I’m not accepting this. I’m sorry. Until CNN says it. It’s not true…”
@KellyPrice4Real (R&B singer Kelly Price): “I have confirmed nothing. Let’s please read and tweet more responsibly! I’m trying to find out the truth just like everyone else. RT that!”
@SheilaEdrummer (legendary percussionist Sheila E.): “They just took her body from her home. Teena Marie found dead by her daughter whose birthday was yesterday…”
@hillharper (author, actor & activist Hill Harper): “RIP Teena Marie – an amazing songstress and trailblazer with so much soul and that’s Square Biz! We love you!
@Deborah_Cox (R&B singer Deborah Cox): “Remembering how sweet of a person she was the first time meeting; her kind words. Lifting her family in prayer at this time. May you (Teena) rest in sweet peace songbird. The legacy of your music will live on.”
@MissyElliott (Hip Hop artist, songwriter & producer Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott): My prayers go out to Teena Marie’s family. Teen created music that is timeless! Songs sung with soul and conviction…”
@kymwhitley (comedian/actress Kym Whitley): “Y’all stop! Teena Marie is fine!”
@JawnMurray (entertainment reporter): “Sad to confirm that I just got official word that Teena Marie has died. Causes yet unknown. RIP.”
@lalahhathaway (R&B/soul singer & songwriter Lalah Hathaway): “My heart is broken, again. Teena was truly one of the most beautiful authentic women I have ever met.”
Like the rest of the world, we are still reaching out for as much information as possible on the alert. We are seriously hoping and praying at the same time that it is a false alarm.
At least one radio station has also reported the story after yet another DJ confirmed live on the air that the music industry has lost a legend during this 2010 holiday season.
We will keep you all abreast of any further details, confirmations or official reports soon to become available. In the meantime, please do us all a favor and send up a special word of prayer and encouragement to the family and close friends of Teena Marie. We will truly miss her.
Stay tuned for tributes, interviews and rare footage of the legend in action as more unfolds on this sad, unfortunate report.
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