Music legend Natalie Cole passed on New Years Eve 2015 at the age of 65. The legendary singer and Grammy award winning artist reportedly struggled with multiple health issues in recent years. Cole died Thursday night, her publicist Maureen O’Connor confirmed to ABC News. The cause of death was reportedly congestive heart failure. Cole was actually supposed to perform in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve, but canceled weeks prior due to her failing health.
According to The Daily News, Cole canceled a string of concert performances over the last three months after a recurrence of hepatitis C linked to her earlier drug abuse.
She is survived by her son Robert Adam Yancy and her siblings, who all released a statement:
“It is with heavy hearts that we bring to you all the news of our Mother and sister’s passing,” her son, Robert Yancy, and sisters Timolin and Casey said in a statement. “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.”
R.I.P. Natalie Cole.