Not Forgotten

In 2000, Diana Ross announced that she would perform with the Supremes in the Return to Love tour, which would travel nationwide. Though she had asked Mary about performing in the tour, Mary had turned her down. Instead, Diana planned to tour with Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence, who had been members of the group in the '70s.

Mary later expressed anger that Diana had created the tour without asking for any input. Mary was offended that Diana did not ask her to join the tour until the last minute. She was not happy about the amount of money she was being offered to do the event. Mary did agree that Diana should make more money on the tour, since she had the most successful solo career.

Ultimately, Mary did not do the tour and it was a flop. The tour began on June 14, 2000, and was canceled a month later because of lack of ticket sales. Fans wanted to see Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong as the Supremes, not two singers who had never performed with Diana Ross before. Diana did not want to cancel the tour, however. She said, “I would sing the same if there were ten people in the audience or 10,000. I love the music and the fans, and I will find a way to reconnect with them as soon as possible.”