Sister Sledge will continue as a duo without their late sister Joni

Sister Sledge members Debbie and Kim have decided to continue performing without their late sister Joni, who sadly passed away from unknown causes on 10th March.

The 'We Are Family' singers announced in a statement: "Sister Sledge will continue with their 2017 concert schedule. Sister Sledge – Debbie, Kim and the Sledge family would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who have extended their love and support during this difficult and challenging time of mourning, in the wake of the passing of our beloved sister Joni Sledge.
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"Joni was a beautiful person, phenomenal artist and producer, a brilliant business woman and a powerhouse! One of her greatest loves and joys was performing live with her family. In the spirit of Joni's powerful strength of character, zest for life and spreading joy through music, we are committed to continuing her legacy.
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"Therefore, in this new 2017 concert season, and in the true Sister Sledge family tradition, we will embrace and celebrate Joni, dedicating every concert in honour of her remarkable and beautiful life. WE ARE SISTERS. We are one... We are Flo's daughters. We are Family! WE ARE WAMOWS! (sic)"

Sisters Debbie and Kim plan to play a gig in Cookham on 20th May, as well as Edinburgh on 27th and 28th May. They are also playing at Let's Rock London on Clapham Common in London on 15th July.

The band's publicist Biff Warren released another statement, announcing that Joni had passed away:

"Yesterday, numbness fell upon our family. Pray for us as we weep for the loss of our sister, mother, aunt, niece and cousin Joni Sledge. We thank you for privacy as we hurt for her presence, but also for embracing her radiance and the sincerity with which she loved life."

RIP Joni 💔