Nationwide — R&B singer Angie Stone’s family is preparing both a large public memorial and a more intimate funeral to honor the legendary singer, ensuring that fans and loved ones have a chance to mourn her unexpected passing, TMZ reports.
Meanwhile, plans are also underway for a funeral in Columbia, S.C., where Stone will be laid to rest. While this service will be more intimate, it will not necessarily be private. The specific date for the funeral remains unclear at this time.
TMZ first reported the heartbreaking news that Stone, a former member of the pioneering hip-hop trio The Sequence, tragically lost her life in a car accident on Saturday morning. She was traveling in a van on Interstate 65 in Montgomery County, Alabama, along with her crew and backup singers when the crash occurred. Stone was the only fatality.
While there is speculation about the cause of the accident, Champagne stated that no official details can be discussed until authorities release their report.
Her family has since issued a statement on Instagram saying the following:
“It is with heavy hearts that the children of the R&B singer Angie Stone along with her extended family want to thank you all of your love and well wishes during what is an extremely difficult time.”
“Angie was an example for Black women and girls everywhere. Angie also loved and championed for black men with her Number One Hit entitled “Brotha.” Angie Stone was a pioneer of rap music that began with a female rap trio, “The Sequence” and ultimately led to her solo career that defined neo-soul. Diamond and Michael, along with the rest of Angie‘s family, want to thank you for reaching out but also ask that you respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of their beloved mother.”
“Angie Stone believed in giving back to her fans in the community with her foundation, “Angel Stripes, the Angie Stone foundation. Recently, Angie was also attending college for ministry. Her love of God and her faith led her to have a deep desire to share her belief in God and bring more people to Christ. Currently, funeral services are still being planned along with the memorial service so that Angie’s fans can honor her life, music, and legacy. Even though Angie is no longer with us physically, her family wants you to keep her legacy alive.”
Stone first gained fame as a member of The Sequence, the first all-female group signed to Sugar Hill Records. She later launched a successful solo career in the late 1990s, with her debut album Black Diamond earning gold certification in the U.S. Her hit song “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” remains one of her most beloved tracks.
She was 63.