Friday, January 1, 2016

Natalie Cole, American Singer, Songwriter, Dies at 65

Natalie Cole, the American singer who overcame battles with substance abuse and the long shadow of her famous father to earn worldwide success of her own, has died. She was 65.
Cole died Thursday night at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles "due to complications from ongoing health issues," according to a statement from her family.
"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."
The daughter of Nat "King" Cole built a chart-topping career with hits such as "This Will Be", "Inseparable" and "Our Love." She fought health problems for years and received a kidney transplant in 2009 after developing hepatitis.
Cole recently had to cancel planned tour stops, including one in Louisville and one in New York due to illness, according to multiple reports.