The legendary 'This Will Be' singer and beloved daughter of Nat King Cole is remembered by her son, sisters and colleagues.
- Jan 2, 2016
AceShowbiz - The world of music lost one of its bests. Multiple Grammy awards winner Natalie Cole has died on Thursday, December 31 in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 65, her family and publicist Maureen O'Connor confirmed.
"It is with heavy hearts that we bring to you all the news of our Mother and sister's passing. Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived ... with dignity, strength and honor," Cole's sisters, Timolin Cole and Casey Cole, and her son, Robert Yancy, said. "Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever."
No other details are released. However, TMZ reported that she died from congestive heart failure, although the underlying medical issues were complications from a kidney transplant and Hepatitis C. The singer had struggled with substance abuse in the past, suffered from liver disease in 2008 and received a donor for it, and underwent a chemotherapy for Hepatitis C.
Cole was supposed to perform for New Year's Eve concert at Disney Hall in L.A. but she canceled all commitments a month ahead due to illness.
Many stars had poured condolences for the passing of Nat King Cole's daughter. Tony Bennett said, "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Natalie Cole, as I have cherished the long friendship I had with her, her father Nat, and the family over the years. Natalie was an exceptional jazz singer and it was an honor to have recorded and performed with her on several occasions. She was a lovely and generous person who will be greatly missed."
"A voice from heaven has been called home," Cher tweeted. The Recording Academy said in a statement, "We've lost a wonderful, highly cherished artist and our heartfelt condolences go out to Natalie's family, friends, her many collaborators, as well as to all who have been entertained by her exceptional talent."
Arsenio Hall tweeted, "In college, I named my bass guitar Natalie! As a young stand up comic I opened for Natalie Cole. She was all that, in all ways! [ RIP ]" Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. posted a photo of Cole as a young lady and wrote, "#NatalieCole, sister beloved & of substance and sound. May her soul rest in peace. #Inseperable.
#NatalieCole, sister beloved & of substance and sound. May her soul rest in peace. #Inseperable pic.twitter.com/zn7DArSMcG
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) January 1, 2016
