Janis Hunter Gaye, the former wife of Marvin Gaye, has passed away at the age of 66.
Hunter passed away at her home in Rhode Island on Saturday, December 3rd.
Her family has confirmed the news, but the cause of death was not disclosed.
In a statement, Hunter Gaye’s daughter Nona paid tribute, saying: “From the time she met my father, she was exposed to the way he saw this world was aching, and she did her best to preserve his legacy as he was taken from us far too early.”
“She took every moment to speak about every word and every note of his music, and she wanted to make sure everyone knew the man she fell in love with.”
“I will never get to see her again in this life but know she’s in heaven with my father and a spokesperson for us in spirit.”
Gaye, renowned for hits such as Let’s Get It On and Sexual Healing, met Hunter Gaye when she was 17, and they got married in 1977 when she was 21 and he was 38.
They met during a recording session in Los Angeles in 1973, and he dedicated the track Jan and his album I Want You to her.
Hunter Gaye, who was the daughter of singer Slim Gaillard, also contributed her vocals to the legendary singer’s song Got To Give It Up.
The couple divorced in 1981, and Gaye passed away three years later at the age of 44 after being shot by his father.
