Natalie Cole Has Died

So, here’s a big way to start 2016 on an extra shitty, shitty note. TMZ says that legendary Natalie Cole has died at a hospital in Los Angeles and is now singing with her dad Nat King Cole for the angels in heaven. She was only 65.

Natalie recently had to cancel a bunch of shows, including a New Year’s Eve concert in L.A., because she had to be hospitalized. TMZ says that Natalie died of congestive heart failure. Natalie had Hepatitis C and she recently suffered from complications from a kidney transplant.

Natalie won several Grammys including a few for Unforgettable…With Love, which was the Adele’s 25 of its time. Everybody had that album and I’m glad YouTube wasn’t around in the 90s, because if it was, there’d probably be a video of my young gay self badly singing the Natalie part in “L-O-V-E.”  Her last album Natalie Cole en Español came out in 2013.

In 2000, Natalie released her memoirs Angel On My Shoulder where she talked a lot about her troubles with the bad shit during much of her life. It was later turned into a TV movie for NBC.

Natalie’s rep released this statement:

“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. Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever.”

Natalie is survived by her son Robert Adam Yancy.

Rest in peace, Natalie Cole.

And since I’m a child of the 1980s, this is my favorite Natalie Cole song ever.

Pic: Getty