Panic swept through social media on June 9, 2025, as “RIP Sylvester Stallone” began trending, leading fans to believe the legendary Rocky and Rambo actor had passed away. But that’s not the case. The confusion stemmed from the death of a different “Sly”: the groundbreaking musician Sly Stone. While their names may overlap, their lives and legacies couldn’t be more different.
Why did fans think Sylvester Stallone passed away?
No, Sylvester Stallone did not die. The misunderstanding happened after news broke that Sly Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, had died peacefully at the age of 82. Stone, the revolutionary name behind the band Sly and the Family Stone, had battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for years, his family revealed.
The mix-up occurred because both men share the nickname “Sly,” though their careers never intersected. Stone, raised in Vallejo, California, was a music pioneer known for fusing rock, soul, and other genres while leading one of the most progressive bands of the ’60s and ’70s. He revolutionized funk and soul music, breaking racial and gender barriers with his band. Their hits, including “Everyday People” and “Family Affair,” remain timeless.
Stallone, on the other hand, became a Hollywood icon thanks to his role as underdog heroes like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo. Now 78, the actor remains active in entertainment and public life, though he hasn’t commented on the mistaken death rumors. That didn’t stop fans from clearing things up online. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “Honest to God I thought Sly Stone was just a weird nickname for Sylvester Stallone, but nope, whole other dude.”
Furthermore, both of them have vastly different families. Stone’s children are musicians and artists like Novena Carmel, Sylvester Stewart, Jr., and Phunne Stone. And Stallone’s children are Sage, Sistine, Seargeoh, Sophia, and Scarlet, who are closely tied to Hollywood and the media. So for now, Stallone fans can rest easy as the action star is still going strong at 78. Meanwhile, the music world honors the legacy of Sly Stone, whose songs shaped a generation.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on ComingSoon.
