By Mark Gray
1:00pm PST, Feb 9, 2021
Mary Wilson, a founding member of The Supremes along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, passed away suddenly at 76 on Feb. 8. Her rep said the death was not expected. (Mary even put a YouTube video out just a few days before her passing.) An iconic figure in music, Mary was a part of all 12 of the Supremes' No. 1 pop hits in the '60s. They are still the top female recording group of all time. Following Mary's death, many in the entertainment world took to social media to publicly honor the legend. Click through to see who is paying tribute to the Supreme…
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"I just woke up to this news. My condolences to you Mary's family, I am reminded that each day is a gift, I have so many wonderful memories of our time together. 'The Supremes' will live on, in our hearts." –Diana Ross
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of the beautiful Mary Wilson! She was a legend and an icon and what she contributed to the world cannot be overstated. I send my deepest condolences and prayers to her family, loved ones and fans." –Patti LaBelle
"Remembering waiting in line for hours for Mary Wilson to sign my book when I was a college freshman. I was so excited I'd met a Supreme! She was dazzling." —Andy Cohen
"A Loved Supreme. Goodbye Mary Wilson…The Dreamgirl." –Questlove
"OMG! Mary Wilson of the Supremes has died suddenly. I was just on a Zoom call with her Wednesday for about an hour & never could have imagined this. So full of life & great stories. Absolutely shocked. Rest In Supreme Peace Mary." –Paul Stanley
"The Supremes were always known as the 'sweethearts of Motown' … I was always proud of Mary. She was quite a star in her own right and over the years continued to work hard to boost the legacy of The Supremes. Mary Wilson was extremely special to me. She was a trailblazer, a diva and will be deeply missed." –Berry Gordy
"RIP Mary Wilson! Godspeed" –Viola Davis
"My mom LOVED Motown. I was raised on the Supremes. I knew every song by even the B-sides. Ms. @DianaRoss, Ms. #MaryWilson #MsFlorenceBallard & #MsCindyBirdsong were the soundtrack of my childhood. Meeting her was a life highlight. I can't believe that our icons are leaving. I'm just glad I got the chance to tell #MsMary what she meant to me. And Ms. @DianaRoss though I've still never met you—which may be for the best, I would surely go into the ugly cry & embarrass myself. Please know how much you & your artistry mean to us all! #WeLoveYou" –Yvette Nicole Brown
"So sad to hear about the passing of #Supremes co-founder #MaryWilson." –Robin Roberts
"Oh, man. RIP #MaryWilson," Richard Marx tweeted alongside two heartbroken heart emojis.
"My deepest condolences to the loved ones of the iconic Mary Wilson! You gave us great music!" –La Toya Jackson
"My heart is broken! I got to know #MaryWilson on @DancingABC and she was one of the sweetest, most vibrant, talented women I had ever met. I will miss you!" –Karamo Brown
"RIP Mary Wilson. Legendary founding member of the Supremes and fantastic solo artist. I had a wonderful conversation with her just before the quarantine. She was full of energy and plans so this is shocking as well as tragic. Our love and condolences go to her family and friends." –Stevie Van Zandt
"For every young girl (and some boys) who sang along to a Supremes' song in the mirror with a hairbrush, this one hits home. Truly iconic!" — Sherri Shepherd
"Founding member of MOTOWN's Supremes, whose songs lifted so many of us up, in an era when we were reaching for a voice of our own in an unwelcoming world." –Neil deGrasse Tyson
"What an blessing to have had the Supreme Mary Wilson on #thereal.. I was over the moon to meet her, she grew up in the same Detroit Projects as I and she showed me that I could make it out. Talented and beautiful.. She will be missed. RIP" –Loni Love
"Love and light to your family Mary — honoring you and your legacy today. Rest In Peace." –Ginger Zee
