Etterlene DeBarge, the gospel singer and matriarch of the legendary DeBarge family, has passed away at the age of 88. The news of her death was confirmed by her daughter, Etterlene “Bunny” DeBarge. Etterlene peacefully passed away in her sleep at Berkley Post-Acute in Woodland Hills on Friday morning.
Etterlene DeBarge was the mother of ten children and played a significant role in the rise of the Motown supergroup DeBarge. She married Robert DeBarge in 1952 and together they built a large family. Seven of their children went on to become members of the iconic musical group.
The Grammy-nominated group was active from 1979 to 1989 before eventually splitting up due to various factors. Etterlene and Robert divorced in 1974, and she later married George Rodriguez in 1980.
Etterlene chronicled her marriage and her children’s rise to fame in the book “Other Side of the Pain.” Her impact in the music industry lives on through her children, who continue to carry on her legacy.
Etterlene is survived by her husband George, eight of her children, and numerous grandchildren. Sadly, two of her sons, Robert DeBarge Jr. and Tommy DeBarge, have already passed away.
The exact cause of Etterlene’s death has not been announced, but sources have revealed that she was battling dementia and had been unwell. Bunny DeBarge took to social media to share the news of her mother’s passing, stating that she was now in a better place.
The DeBarge family has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and Etterlene’s contributions as a mother and a support system will always be remembered. May she rest in peace.
