Singer Natalie Cole is dead at 65

Singer Natalie Cole, the daughter of jazz legend Nat "King" Cole who carried on his musical legacy, has died.

According to published reports, Cole passed away on Thursday night. She was 65. Her family said in a statement that the singer had been hospitalized at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles "due to complications from ongoing health issues." No further details are yet available about her cause of death.

Cole, seen in this YouTube Video at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood in 2014, won nine Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for her 1991 "Unforgettable ... With Love." She is perhaps best known for this song, a virtual duet made using recordings from her late father, Nat King Cole, who died in 1965. The album sold 14 million copies.

Despite her professional success, Cole had a well-documented history of drug and health problems. She was forced to undergo a kidney transplant in May 2009 due to hepatitis.

"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," her sisters, Timolin Cole and Casey Cole, and son, Robert Yancy, said in the statement. "Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain unforgettable in our hearts forever," said the statement.

Filed Under: Death, health issues, Natalie Cole

Categories: Entertainment, New Jersey News

Comments