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Tyka Nelson, Prince’s only full sibling and a talented musician in her own right, has died at age 64.
The news came through the jazz singer’s cousin, Charles “Chazz” Smith, who took to social media to share the news on Monday, November 4. “Our family is very saddened to share the news of my cousin Tyka Evene Nelson who passed away this morning,” he wrote via Instagram.
Tyka Nelson, accepts the award for Favorite Soundtrack, for Purple Rain, on behalf of Prince onstage during the 2016 American Music Awards held at Microsoft Theater on November 20, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Fast… Tyka Nelson, accepts the award for Favorite Soundtrack, for Purple Rain, on behalf of Prince onstage during the 2016 American Music Awards held at Microsoft Theater on November 20, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Fast forward to November 2024, Prince’s family shared news of Tyka’s passing.
Michael Tran/FilmMagic
Tyka’s son, President Nelson, later confirmed her passing to the Minnesota Star Tribune. Her cause of death remains unknown, but it’s been reported that she had been dealing with health issues in recent years.
Born in Minneapolis to musicians Mattie Shaw Nelson and John L. Nelson, Tyka was always part of a musical world. Like her iconic brother, she pursued her own path in the music industry, releasing four albums over the years, including Royal Blue (1988) and Hustler (2011). Despite her talents, Tyka once admitted, “I really wasn’t a singer. I’m a writer. I just happen to be able to sing. I enjoy singing.”
The Minnesota native performed occasionally in recent years, with her last public appearance in Australia in 2018. Earlier this June, Tyka had planned a farewell concert at Minneapolis’s Dakota jazz club, marking her retirement from the stage. But illness ultimately kept her from attending. “I’m getting older,” she shared with the Tribune ahead of the show.
Shortly after Smith broke the news of Tyka’s passing on social media, fans quickly flooded the comments section with words of love and support.
“Sending all love and wrapping you and all your family in God’s love and care 🙏🏽✨,” one person shared.
“So sad 😢 RIP Tyka 🙏🏻🕊️💜,” another wrote.
“I am so very very sorry for your loss, please accept my condolences and prayers, she was beautiful inside and out in my small experience 🙏🏽🥰😢💜💐,” chimed in a third.
Tyka was married to her husband, Maurice Phillips, with whom she had six kids: sons President, Rachard, and Sir, and daughters Danielle, Crystal, and Chelsea.
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