Natalie Cole, the beloved singer and daughter of legend Nat King Cole, has died. The singer of a long list of classics that includes “This Will Be” and “Unforgettable” was only 65.
Cole suffered a series of health issues recently and died Thursday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, her family confirmed.
“Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived ... with dignity, strength and honor,” her son Robert Yancy and sisters Timolin and Casey Cole said in a statement to the Associated Press. “Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever.”
Aretha Franklin also issued a statement, saying that she had to “hold back the tears,” adding, “She fought for so long. She was one of the greatest singers of our time.”
During her career, Cole established herself as a superstar on the level of her famous father, earning hits with “This Will Be,” “Inseparable” and “Our Love.” In 1991, had her biggest hit with the album Unforgettable ... With Love, which featured her “Unforgettable” duet with her late father, who died in 1965. The album won the Grammy for Album of the Year.
In 2009, Cole received a kidney transplant after she developed hepatitis, notes NBC News. She said that her health problems were due to drug use. She opened up about her struggles in the 2000 autobiography Angel on the Shoulder.
“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,” Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow said.