Tyka Nelson, sister to Prince, has died at age 64, according to The Mirror. She died three months after she was unable to attend her brother’s last concert due to health. Cause of death was unknown.
Her son, President Nelson, stated she confirmed the news, but nothing else was made known about the passing. Her cousin, Charles ‘Chazz’ Smith, posted the news on Facebook and wrote, “Our family is truly saddened to share the news of my cousin Tyka Evene Nelson who passed away this morning.” Her sister Sharon Nelson was a little more expansive when speaking with the media. “She had her own mind,” she said. “She’s in a better place.”
fans and users took to social networks, starting with X- formerly known as Twitter. Here is what one tweeted, “Just hearing that Tyka Nelson, sister of music legend #Prince has passed away. Let our hearts be with the family during this difficult period. Please respect their silence during this time of grief” One opined, “respect, condolences, gratitude; and a purple heart.” A third opined, “may tyka rest in peace. Let our hearts be one with the entire Prince’s family.
Tyka was set to present and perform at a farewell concert at Dakota in June, but she couldn’t make it to the event because of her illness. Her last public performance was in 2018 in Australia. She released four albums over the years of her career between 1988 and 2011.
Her brother, an international music icon, Prince, died in 2016 of an accidental overdose on fentanyl when he was 57 years old. Tyka survives her two sons, President and Sir; sisters Sharon and Norrine; and brother Omarr Baker.