Tyka Nelson, Prince’s sister, has died. She was 64.
Nelson’s cousin, Charles “Chazz” Smith, announced the loss in a social media post on Nov. 4. “Our family is very saddened to share the news of my cousin Tyka Evene Nelson who passed away this morning,” he wrote.
Her son, President LenNard Laeil Nelson, reportedly later confirmed her death to The Minnesota Star Tribune.
Tyka’s cause of death is currently unknown.
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Born to John L. Nelson and Mattie Shaw Nelson as Prince’s only full sibling, Tyka was based in Minnesota and followed a similarly musical path to her brother.
Throughout her career, she released four albums: 1988’s Royal Blue, 1992’s Yellow Moon, Red Sky, 2008’s A Brand New Me and 2011’s Hustler.
After announcing her retirement from public life, Tyka was set to hold a farewell concert at Minnesota venue the Dakota in June, but the Tribune reported she fell ill and was ultimately not present at the show.
“I’m getting older,” she told the outlet at the time. “I really wasn’t a singer. I’m a writer. I just happen to be able to sing. I enjoy singing.”
Before her death, Tyka was working on a memoir “about me and my family,” according to the Tribune, but it was not finished as of June. “We’ve got a few more chapters,” she said.
The musician was married to husband Maurice Phillips, with whom she shared six children: daughters Danielle Phillips, Crystal Phillips, Chelsea Phillips, and sons Rachard Phillips, Sir Montece Laeil and President.
In her June interview with the Tribune, Tyka opened up about experiencing loss, especially Prince’s death. “I’m one heck of a grateful person who had wonderful people in their life. I miss their wisdom,” she said.
Tyka continued, “If I could I’d travel the whole world and meet people that loved him — I’m kind of the last link to him, for some people — it’s like giving back to him. As far as I’m concerned, he stayed because they loved his music.”
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