Natalie Cole, singer and daughter of famed jazz pianist and vocalist Nat King Cole, has died at 65.
Cole was known best for her songs “Unforgettable,” which she released as an interactive duet with her late father in the ’90s, “Inseparable,” ”This Will Be,” and “Our Love.” The notable R&B artist made headlines in 2000 about her struggle with drug abuse and getting sober, featured in her autobiography, Angel on My Shoulder. Occasionally an actress, Cole made several recent television appearances, as a guest on RuPaul’s Drag Race, a starring spot in The Real Housewives of New York City, and she performed on American Idol in 2009.
“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 family wrote in a statement issued yesterday. “Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever.”