Jacqueline Avant, the wife of legendary music executive Clarence Avant, was shot and killed in an early morning home invasion robbery Tuesday.

TMZ reports that the incident happened at the couple’s home in the Trousdale Estates, near Beverly Hills. Police say they received a call at 2:30 AM for a home invasion where someone had been shot. By the time police arrived, Jacqueline had already been transported to a nearby hospital.

Sources say the intruders who broke into the home fired off shots and hit Jacqueline. Clarence was home at the time. However, it is unknown whether he was harmed.

Tragically, Jacqueline was pronounced dead at the hospital. She was 81 years old.

Clarence, who was just inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is known as the Godfather of Black Music. Jacqueline served as president of childcare group Neighbors of Watts and was on the board of directors for UCLA’s International Student Center.

The couple was married for 54 years.

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Simone is an award-winning communications professional with over seven years of experience. Her passion for writing has led her to serve as Editor-in-Chief at Baller Alert. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants and traveling (to mostly tropical destinations.)

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