On New Year's Eve (Dec. 31), the music industry lost American songstress, Natalie Cole, due to ongoing health complications. Before family members of the "This Will Be" singer flew out to Los Angeles to attend her funeral, Cole's twin sisters Timolin and Casey spoke with People about her death and reflected on Christmas memories together.
Besides looking forward to presents and holiday meals, Timolin and Casey recall Christmas Eve being one of Natalie's favorite times of the year because it allowed her to be in the comfort of close family and friends. The 54-year-old twins are thankful they were able to spend time with Natalie on what would end up being their last Christmas together.
The Christmas season also brings back fond memories of their late father Nat King Cole, his music, and the family traditions they created together as a family.
A photo posted by Yes, THAT Natalie Cole! (@nataliecoleofficial) on Oct 20, 2014 at 10:22pm PDT
"Christmas Eve has always been a magical time for Natalie because she looked forward to the season and being surrounded by loved ones," Timolin told People. "We had a wonderful evening where we reminisced about holiday traditions of the past and present, including decorating every inch of her Hancock Park home with vintage Christmas ornaments and finery."
Natalie died at the age of 65 from congestive heart failure. The "Inseparable" singer fought to improve her health for years while battling issues of substance abuse and receiving a kidney transplant in 2009 after developing hepatitis, according to NBC News.
Timolin and Casey revealed they plan to not only mourn the life of their sister, but also celebrate the impact she's had in their life and on music. The Cole name and legacy will still be passionately embraced as the family continues their mission to provide music education to those less fortunate through the Nat King Cole Generation Hope foundation.
"As our sister Natalie is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on her death, but will be on the countless moments of joyful music that she leaves for us all," Casey told People.
Natalie has won nine Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year in 1992 for her album Unforgettable...With Love, Record of the Year in 1992 for "Unforgettable," Best New Artist in 1976, and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album in 2009 for Still Unforgettable.
