Irish Grinstead poses for a photo at the 2019 Black Music Honors in Atlanta.Photo:Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Black Music Honors
Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Black Music Honors
Irish Grinstead of ’90s girl group702has died at the age of 43, her sister and bandmate LeMisha Grinsteadannounced on Saturday.
The singer, who was known for contributing to songs such as “Where My Girls At" and “Get It Together,” died following “a long battle,” 702’s LeMisha said. The news comes nine months after702 announcedin December that Irish took “a medical leave of absence due to serious medical issues” as she stepped away from the group.
“It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that my beautiful sister and friend has passed away this evening,” LeMisha wrote on Instagram, alongside a black-and-white portrait of Irish. “She has had a long battle and she is finally at peace.”
LeMisha added that her sister was “as bright as the stars,” and “not only beautiful on the outside, but also within.”
“Sharing the stage with her was a joy I will cherish for the rest of my life,” she continued. “We the family ask for prayers and respect for our privacy as we grieve an outstanding loss to our family.”
702 pose for a photo at the Teen Choice Awards in 1999.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
“💔🙏🏾🕊️ Multitude of Prayers for your family🙏🏾,” Elliott commented, while Braxton added, “💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 sister I’m so sorry.”
“Irish May your beautiful soul Rest Peacefully in the arms of the Lord,” Elliott wrote onX. “A Multitude of prayers for the entire Grinstead family #702.”
Irish and LeMisha made up two-thirds of the band’s lineup, which also included vocalist Kameelah Williams. The group — which takes its name from the area code of the members' hometown, Las Vegas — released its first LPNo Doubtin 1996.
“I struggled with this post because to me this isn’t real,” she wrote on Sunday morning. “❤️🩹 There’s a lot I want to say, but there’s no way to say what your heart hasn’t fully accepted.”
“It’s hard to acknowledge this is even happening,” Williams added. “I know you’re feeling better now and hugging your twin Orish which makes me smile 🥹 cus I know how much you missed her. You & I have known each other since we were kids and we’ve laughed, cried, celebrated and everything in between which is why I just don’t want to believe this. You’ll always be my ‘IBG’ & I still love you my forever lil sis!!!”
source: people.com
