MUSIC LEGEND CLARENCE AVANT WIFE JACQUELINE SHOT AND KILLED DURING HOME INVASION ROBBERY EXCLUSIVE 40.3K SHARES

1:42 PM PT -- Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Jacqueline was alert and speaking when paramedics arrived at the house, and we're told the family was shocked she didn't pull through.

Beverly Hills PD is about to update us on the case with a news conference at 2 PM PT, and we'll be live streaming.

9:44 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us there was security at the home, the security guard was shot at as well, but did not return fire. We're told Clarence was not injured.

9:20 AM PT -- At least one suspect, the shooter, had gotten inside the Avants' home when he opened fire at Jacqueline ... according to sources connected to the investigation. It's unclear how many suspects were involved.

POLICE ON THE SCENELAUNCH GALLERY

An image of the home shows a smashed sliding glass door ... so it appears that's how the suspects got inside.

Clarence Avant, a legendary music exec who was just inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, had a tragedy at home Tuesday night ... a home invasion where his wife of 54 years -- Jacqueline Avant -- was shot and killed ... TMZ has learned.

It happened in the Trousdale Estates ... a high-end area neighboring Beverly Hills. Law enforcement tells TMZ, Beverly Hills PD got a call at 2:30 AM for a home invasion. The caller told the dispatcher someone had been shot. By the time they arrived, Jackie had already been rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

A family source tells us the people who broke into the house fired shots and hit Jackie. Clarence was home at the time. We do not know if he was hurt.

NICOLE AVANT AND TED SARANDOS TOGETHERLAUNCH GALLERY

Jackie and Clarence's daughter is Nicole Avant, who is married to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos.

CLARENCE AVANT'S FAMOUS FRIENDSLAUNCH GALLERY

Clarence is known as the Godfather of Black Music. He's been regularly celebrated by the likes of Jay-Z and Diddy, L.A. Reid and Babyface. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame back in October.

Jackie served as the President of the Neighbors of Watts, a support group that focused on child care. She was also on the Board of Directors of UCLA's International Student Center.

Jacqueline was 81.

RIP

Originally Published -- 7:16 AM PT