The music world is in mourning following the loss of Tyka Nelson, the beloved sister of the legendary artist Prince.
Tyka passed away at the age of 64, a fact confirmed by her family.
The news broke through a heartfelt post by her son, President Nelson, shared with The Star Tribune.
While the cause of her death has not been disclosed, her cousin Charles ‘Chazz’ Smith expressed the family’s sorrow in a Facebook tribute.
A Life Remembered
Born to John L. Nelson and Mattie Shaw Nelson, Tyka was Prince’s only full sibling.
Reflecting on her life, her sister Sharon Nelson shared with the Tribune that Tyka was a strong-willed individual, saying, “She had her own mind. She’s in a better place.”
This past year had been challenging for Tyka; she fell ill and had to miss her own retirement concert in June at the Dakota in New York.
Tyka had a rich musical career, releasing four albums between 1988 and 2011, including titles like Royal Blue and Hustler.
As she approached her final performance, Tyka reflected on her journey, stating, “I really wasn’t a singer. I’m a writer. I just happen to be able to sing. I enjoy singing.”
She also mentioned her plans to work on a memoir, sharing insights about her life and career.
Tribute to Her Brother
Tyka’s last public performance was in Australia during a Prince tribute show in 2018.
In a conversation with The Daily Telegraph, she discussed the profound impact Prince had on her music and how she found solace in his songs after his passing.
She recorded her first song as a tribute to him and their parents, titled “End Of The Road,” exactly one year after he died.
Reflecting on her brother’s influence, she revealed that he had encouraged her to pursue her own musical path.
Despite his encouragement, she initially hesitated to step into the spotlight, wanting to carve out her own identity in the music industry.
“I hadn’t wanted to before because I wanted a separate (musical) identity,” she admitted.
Premonitions and Grief
Tyka also opened up about a chilling premonition she had about Prince’s death, claiming she sensed something was wrong three years prior.
During an interview on ITV’s Lorraine, she recounted a phone call where Prince told her he felt he had completed everything he came to do.
This conversation led her to prepare for the worst, buying items for his funeral long before his tragic passing in 2016 due to an accidental overdose.
“I thought I’m going to buy earrings for his funeral… so it took an actual three years from the time I got the call at McDonald’s,” she explained.
Tyka expressed her belief that her Native American heritage allows her to sense things, adding, “We do sense things as a people.”
Navigating Challenges
Since Prince’s death, Tyka faced significant struggles, admitting that she endured emotional ups and downs.
“I had the hardest time [out of all her siblings]. We had spent all of our lives together. It probably only hit me last October,” she revealed.
Despite her pain, Tyka found a healthier outlet for her grief, stating, “This is the first time what I’m feeling has come out in music, not drugs and alcohol.”
In their final years, Tyka and Prince rebuilt their relationship after a tumultuous period, during which she battled addiction.
Prince provided her with support during her struggles, demonstrating the deep bond they shared as siblings.
Honoring Family Legacy
Tyka carried meaningful symbols in her life, including three beaded braids in her hair representing her mother, father, and brother.
She shared her wishes for those braids to be united when she passes.
After Prince’s death in 2016, Tyka and his other siblings were named his legal heirs, managing his legacy without a will or living children.
As the music community remembers Tyka Nelson, her indelible spirit and her connection to her brother’s legacy will continue to resonate with fans and family alike.
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