Sharon Jones, soul legend and Dap-Kings frontwoman, dies at 60

Sharon Jones, inimitable funk and soul legend and frontwoman of the Dap-Kings, died Friday from pancreatic cancer, the New York Times reported. She was 60 years old.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Sharon Jones has passed away after a heroic battle against pancreatic cancer," her management said in an official statement, according to NBC News. "She was surrounded by her loved ones, including the Dap-Kings."

Jones was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013, but the disease had been in remission until last year. At a concert in Arizona two months before her death, Jones spoke about the catharsis performing music afforded her, the Arizona Republic reported.

"When I walk out onstage, whatever pain is gone," she told the crowd at Ak-Chin Pavilion in September in between songs. "You forget about everything. There is no cancer. There is no sickness."

Music had always been a part of Jones' life, beginning with her gospel singing roots as a young girl growing up in South Carolina and Brooklyn, New York, but it wasn't until she was 40 years old that her first single, "Damn It's Hot," was released, in 1996.

According to NBC News, in lieu of flowers, Jones' management is requesting fans to donate to the Lustgarten Foundation, James Brown Family Foundation and Little Kids Rock.