R&B singer Natalie Cole, who topped charts with hits like “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” and “Unforgettable,” died at age 65.
Cole died Thursday (Dec. 31) night, according to publicist Maureen O’Connor. The reported cause of death was congestive heart failure. The singer had struggled with a variety of health issues in recent years.
In 2008, Cole started suffering from kidney problems due to hepatitis C, which she attributed to her past drug usage. Following kidney failure, she went public with a request for a kidney donation, which she received from an anonymous donor in 2009.
Throughout her musical career, Cole, who was also the daughter of Nat King Cole, achieved great success. In 1975, she had a massive hit with "This Will Be" from her album Inseparable. She followed that with other hits, including "I've Got Love on My Mind," "Our Love" and "Someone That I Used to Love."
Cole won a total of nine Grammys, including one for best new artist for her debut album. She also won six Grammys for 1991's Unforgettable ... With Love. The album featured a duet with Cole and her father and earned awards for song of the year, record of the year and album of the year.
Cole was remembered on social media by notable public figures.
"#NatalieCole, sister beloved & of substance and sound. May her soul rest in peace," tweeted the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
"A voice from heaven has been called home," Cher wrote in a tweet.
#NatalieCole, sister beloved & of substance and sound. May her soul rest in peace. #Inseperable pic.twitter.com/zn7DArSMcG
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) January 1, 2016
Tony Bennett expressed his condolences on Instagram. "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Natalie Cole, as I have cherished the long friendship I had with her, her father Nat, and the family over the years," he wrote.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Natalie Cole, as I have cherished the long friendship I had with her, her father Nat, and the family over the years. Natalie was an exceptional jazz singer and it was an honor to have recorded and performed with her on several occasions. She was a lovely and generous person who will be greatly missed. A photo posted by Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) on Jan 1, 2016 at 10:05am PST
