Jazz Singer Nancy Wilson Dead At 81

Legendary jazz and pop singer Nancy Wilson has sadly passed away.

On Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, the music icon's manager and publicist, Devra Hall Levy, announced that Wilson died peacefully in her Pioneertown, Calif. home following a long illness, CNN reports. She was 81 years old.

At the time of this writing, further details surrounding her passing, including cause of death, have yet to be revealed. However, according to a statement on Wilson's website, "In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held, most likely in February, the month of her birth."

Best known for her '60s hits "Guess Who I Saw Today" and "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am," Wilson released over 60 albums throughout her nearly six-decade career, and was awarded multiple accolades, including three Grammy Awards and an NAACP Image Award. According to Variety, Wilson was also a civil rights activist, who participated in the march on Selma, Ala. in 1965.

The beloved vocalist, who retired from touring in 2011, was known for calling herself a "song stylist," telling the San Francisco Chronicle in 2010, "The music that I sing today was the pop music of the 1960s. I just never considered myself a jazz singer. I do not do runs and — you know. I take a lyric and make it mine. I consider myself an interpreter of the lyric" (via Page Six).

After news of Wilson's passing broke, a number of fans and fellow musicians took to social media to share their thoughts and express their condolences. For his part, John Legend tweeted, "So sad to hear about the passing of the great Nancy Wilson. She was a magical performer. I'm so glad I was able to spend time with her and hear her beautiful voice in person." Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe wrote alongside a heart emoji, "Long live the extraordinary NANCY WILSON."

"There are no words to describe how my heart aches at this news that my baby sister, my Piscean sister, Nancy Wilson has passed away," producer Quincy Jones shared on Twitter. "You were the light of every room you walked in. God bless you Nancy. I will miss you every day, but I will always cherish our times together."

Wilson is survived by her three children, son Kacy Dennis and daughters Sheryl and Samantha Burton, as well as five grandchildren.

Our thoughts are with Wilson's loved ones during this difficult time.