Teena Marie dead at age 54

[SoonerQueen]

'Lovergirl' Singer Teena Marie Dead at 54

12/26/2010 5:23 PM PST by TMZ Staff

Grammy nominated singer Teena Marie -- once known as Rick James' protégée -- died in her sleep last night at the age of 54 ... TMZ has confirmed with Teena's rep Lynn Jeter.


So far it's unclear what caused the singer's death.

Marie was nominated for a Grammy four times ... her first top ten hit was "I'm Just a Sucker for Your Love."

[Thunder]

Nothing is worse than death on Christmas, but at least she enjoyed her time with family for one last time.