Prince's protege, Vanity (real name, Denise Matthews) died Monday, Feb. 15, in a California hospital. The lead singer of the '80s group Vanity 6 was 57.
According to Complex, Matthews was battling kidney failure, which was the last of many health issues she previously had. The singer overdosed from crack cocaine in 1994 and developed other ailments in the aftermatch. She was diagnosed with sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis and started a GoFundMe page to help her raise money for her treatments.
"Boy, it is not fun suffering in this body of weak flesh... but Jesus is straightening out all my crooked places in my heart as I go through this time of pain," Matthews wrote on the page. She raised $6,659 out of the $50K she was looking to raise.
Friends, family and fans have taken to Twitter to share their kind words about Matthews. Prince has yet to comment.
SADDEN my FRIEND IN CHRIST gone 2day. Vanity, Denise Matthews. MISS YOU DEARLY. U ARE IN HIS ARMS NOW, NO Pain pic.twitter.com/UbCWtl8brc
— SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) February 16, 2016
Today my friend & Sister Denise Katrina Matthews p/k/a #Vanity passed away. She absolutely loved GOD unto salvation. Rest in his Glory — MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) February 16, 2016
Matthews is known for her hit track "Nasty Girl" and her acting in the movies Action Jackson and The Last Dragon. She was discovered by Prince, who made her the lead singer of Vanity 6. When she decided to go her separate ways from the group, Prince gave her part in the movie Purple Rain to Apollonia Kotero, according to NY Daily News.
Rest in Peace, Denise Matthews.
