Natalie Cole's Final Chapter: Unveiling Her Cause Of Death

Aubree Sporer 24 Jun 2025

The world collectively mourned on New Year's Eve 2015 when news broke of Natalie Cole's passing. As the daughter of the legendary Nat King Cole, she had carved out her own indelible mark on the music industry, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and resilient spirit. Her death at the age of 65 in a Los Angeles hospital caused an outpouring of tributes from across the music world, leaving many to wonder about the circumstances surrounding her untimely departure.

For days following her passing, details remained scarce, adding to the somber mood. However, her family soon stepped forward to provide clarity, revealing the specific health complications that led to her death. This article delves into the official revelations regarding Natalie Cole's cause of death, exploring the medical condition that claimed her life, her long-standing health battles, and the profound legacy she left behind.

Remembering a Legend: Natalie Cole's Legacy
The Official Revelation: Natalie Cole's Cause of Death
A Battle with Health: Pre-existing Conditions
The Link Between Kidney Transplant and IPAH
The Outpouring of Tributes: A World Mourns
The Enduring Impact of Natalie Cole
Beyond Natalie: The Passing of Her Son, Robert Yancy
Conclusion: A Legacy That Echoes

Remembering a Legend: Natalie Cole's Legacy

Natalie Maria Cole was born into musical royalty on February 6, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. As the daughter of Nat King Cole, one of the most iconic voices of the 20th century, and jazz singer Maria Hawkins Ellington, Natalie was destined for a life in music. However, her journey was far from merely walking in her father's footsteps; she forged a unique path, demonstrating incredible talent, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her art.

Early Life and Musical Roots

From a young age, Natalie was immersed in the world of music. She began performing at age 11 and later studied at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she majored in child psychology. Despite her academic pursuits, the call of music was undeniable. Her early career saw her navigate the immense shadow of her father's legacy, a challenge she met with remarkable grace and determination. She developed her own distinctive style, blending R&B, soul, and jazz, which would eventually earn her widespread acclaim.

A Career Defined by Resilience and Hits

Natalie Cole burst onto the scene in the mid-1970s with hits like "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" and "Our Love," quickly establishing herself as a formidable voice in R&B. She earned her first Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1976. Her career, however, was not without its challenges. She battled drug problems in the 1980s, a period of personal struggle that she openly discussed and ultimately overcame, emerging stronger and more determined than ever.

Her triumphant return in the late 1980s and early 1990s solidified her status as a true legend. Her 1991 album, "Unforgettable... with Love," was a groundbreaking project that saw her digitally duet with her late father on the title track. This album became a global phenomenon, selling millions of copies and earning her multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. It was a testament to her vocal prowess, her innovative spirit, and her ability to connect with audiences across generations. Throughout her career, Natalie Cole released numerous successful albums and singles, earning nine Grammy Awards and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music.

Here is a brief overview of Natalie Cole's personal data and biodata:

Category	Details
Full Name	Natalie Maria Cole
Born	February 6, 1950
Died	December 31, 2015 (Age 65)
Place of Birth	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Place of Death	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Actress
Parents	Nat King Cole (Father), Maria Hawkins Ellington (Mother)
Spouse(s)	Marvin Yancy (m. 1976; div. 1980), Andre Fischer (m. 1989; div. 1995), Kenneth Dupree (m. 2001; div. 2007)
Children	Robert Yancy (Son)
Genre(s)	R&B, Soul, Jazz, Pop
Years Active	1975–2015
Awards	9 Grammy Awards

The Official Revelation: Natalie Cole's Cause of Death

The question of "what was Natalie Cole's cause of death" was definitively answered by her family shortly after her passing. On Thursday, January 7, 2016, just a week after her death, her family issued a statement to the Associated Press and other media outlets, revealing the specific medical condition that led to her demise. According to the family, the legendary singer passed away on December 31, 2015, from heart failure brought on by idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).

This revelation provided crucial clarity and helped the public understand the complex health struggles Natalie Cole had been enduring. The family's statement confirmed that her death was a direct result of this rare lung disease, which ultimately placed an unbearable strain on her heart.

Understanding Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH)

Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH) is a severe and progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries leading from the heart to the lungs. "Idiopathic" means the cause is unknown, distinguishing it from other forms of pulmonary hypertension that might be linked to underlying conditions like connective tissue diseases or congenital heart defects. In IPAH, the small arteries in the lungs narrow, thicken, and stiffen, making it difficult for blood to flow through them. This increased resistance forces the right side of the heart to work much harder to pump blood to the lungs. Over time, this excessive workload weakens the heart muscle, leading to right-sided heart failure, which was ultimately Natalie Cole's cause of death.

IPAH is considered a rare disease, affecting a small percentage of the population. Symptoms often include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and dizziness, which can worsen as the disease progresses. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the non-specific nature of early symptoms, often leading to delays. While treatments exist to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, there is currently no cure for IPAH. The condition can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and, as tragically demonstrated in Natalie Cole's case, can be fatal.

A Battle with Health: Pre-existing Conditions

Natalie Cole's battle with IPAH was not an isolated health event; it was part of a broader, long-standing struggle with various health issues that had plagued her for years. Her family's statement highlighted that she had been diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) after undergoing a kidney transplant. This indicates a complex interplay of health challenges that ultimately contributed to her passing.

Prior to her diagnosis with PAH, Natalie Cole had faced significant health hurdles. She had openly battled drug problems earlier in her life, a period of addiction that took a toll on her body. While she successfully overcame these struggles, the long-term effects of substance abuse can sometimes manifest in various health complications years later. More directly related to her eventual cause of death, she had also contracted hepatitis, a serious liver inflammation. Hepatitis C, in particular, can lead to severe liver damage and often necessitates medical interventions, including organ transplants.

It was her struggle with hepatitis that ultimately forced her to undergo a kidney transplant. In 2008, Natalie Cole was diagnosed with hepatitis C, which she believed she contracted years earlier due to her past intravenous drug use. The hepatitis led to kidney failure, necessitating the life-saving transplant. She received a kidney transplant in May 2009. While the transplant was successful in addressing her kidney failure, it introduced a new set of challenges and complications, as is often the case with major organ transplantation.

The Link Between Kidney Transplant and IPAH

The family of Natalie Cole explicitly stated that she was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) after her kidney transplant. This connection is crucial in understanding what was Natalie Cole's cause of death. While the term "idiopathic" in IPAH implies an unknown cause, there are instances where PAH can be secondary to other conditions or treatments. In Natalie Cole's case, the family's statement suggests a link between her transplant and the onset of the rare lung disease.

Organ transplant recipients, particularly those undergoing kidney transplants, are at an increased risk for various post-transplant complications due to the necessary use of immunosuppressant drugs. These medications are vital to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ, but they can also have side effects that impact other organ systems. While PAH is not a common complication of kidney transplantation, certain factors related to the underlying kidney disease, the transplant procedure itself, or the immunosuppressive regimen could potentially contribute to its development in susceptible individuals. For instance, chronic kidney disease itself can sometimes be associated with cardiovascular complications that might predispose one to pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, some immunosuppressants have been linked to various cardiovascular issues, though a direct causal link to PAH is complex and not always straightforward.

Her family released a statement to the Associated Press saying the singer was diagnosed after her transplant with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare lung disease that ultimately led to heart failure and Cole’s untimely death at age 65. This sequence of events paints a clearer picture of her final years, marked by a courageous fight against a cascade of serious health issues. The eventual cause of death, heart failure brought on by IPAH, was the culmination of a long and arduous health journey for the beloved singer.

The Outpouring of Tributes: A World Mourns

The news of Natalie Cole's passing on New Year's Eve 2015 sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among her millions of fans worldwide. Her death at age 65 in a Los Angeles hospital caused an outpouring of tributes from the music world for the daughter of late singing legend Nat King Cole. Musicians, actors, politicians, and admirers from all walks of life took to social media and issued statements, expressing their grief and celebrating her remarkable life and career.

Many remembered her not just for her incredible voice and hit songs, but also for her resilience in overcoming personal struggles. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and Mariah Carey shared their condolences and spoke of Cole's immense talent and her impact on their own lives and careers. Quincy Jones described her as a "dynamic vocalist and a lovely human being." Tony Bennett called her "a wonderful singer" and "a dear friend." Her ability to transcend genres and generations, coupled with her unwavering spirit, made her a beloved figure, and the tributes reflected the deep respect and affection she had garnered throughout her life.

The collective mourning underscored the significant void left by her departure. She was celebrated for her unique ability to blend the elegance of jazz with the raw emotion of R&B, creating a sound that was distinctly her own. The outpouring of grief was a testament to her enduring legacy and the profound connection she forged with her audience through her music and her inspiring personal story of triumph over adversity.

The Enduring Impact of Natalie Cole

Even years after her passing, Natalie Cole's impact on music and culture continues to resonate. Her extensive discography, spanning several decades, remains a testament to her versatility and vocal prowess. From her early R&B hits to the timeless jazz standards she reinterpreted, her music continues to inspire new generations of artists and delight listeners worldwide. The "Unforgettable... with Love" album, in particular, stands as a monumental achievement, showcasing her ability to bridge the past and present, honoring her father's legacy while solidifying her own.

Beyond her musical achievements, Natalie Cole's life story serves as a powerful narrative of resilience. Her public battles with addiction and illness, and her subsequent recovery and continued success, offered hope and inspiration to many facing similar challenges. She demonstrated that it is possible to overcome significant obstacles and reclaim one's life and career with determination and courage. Her openness about her health struggles, including her kidney transplant and later her diagnosis with PAH, also helped raise awareness about these conditions, contributing to a broader public understanding of complex medical issues.

Her legacy is not just in the records she sold or the awards she won, but in the hearts she touched and the lives she inspired. She was a true survivor, a phenomenal artist, and a gracious individual who left an indelible mark on the world. Her voice, characterized by its warmth, power, and emotional depth, will forever be remembered as one of the greats.

Beyond Natalie: The Passing of Her Son, Robert Yancy

Tragically, the Cole family faced another profound loss less than two years after Natalie's passing. Robert Yancy, Natalie Cole's only son, died suddenly at age 39 on August 14, 2017. Robert Yancy, the only son of iconic singer Natalie Cole, and grandson of performer Nat King Cole, had followed in his family's musical footsteps, working as a drummer and playing in his mother's touring band.

Initially, police listed his cause of death as natural causes pending results of an autopsy and toxicology tests. His aunt, Timolin Cole Augustus, told the Associated Press that his death appeared to be a sudden heart attack. The final autopsy report obtained by the Daily News later confirmed that Robert Yancy died from coronary artery disease. This was a separate, unrelated cause from what was Natalie Cole's cause of death, but it added another layer of sorrow to the family's recent history of loss. Robert's father, music producer Marvin Yancy, was Natalie's first husband, and he also passed away at a young age, at 34, from a heart attack.

The passing of Robert Yancy was a heartbreaking echo of the family's earlier grief, reminding the world of the fragility of life and the deep impact of loss on those left behind. It underscored the challenges and tragedies that even families in the public eye must endure, often with the added burden of public scrutiny.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Echoes

The life and passing of Natalie Cole are a testament to both extraordinary talent and profound human resilience. The question of "what was Natalie Cole's cause of death" was answered definitively by her family: heart failure brought on by idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), a rare lung disease that developed after her life-saving kidney transplant. This complex medical journey, intertwined with her earlier battles against addiction and hepatitis, painted a picture of a woman who faced immense health challenges with courage and grace.

Natalie Cole left us on New Year's Eve 2015 at the age of 65, but her voice and her spirit continue to live on. Her ability to blend genres, her iconic duets, and her powerful story of overcoming adversity cemented her status as a true legend. The outpouring of tributes from around the globe underscored the deep affection and respect she commanded. Even with the subsequent tragic loss of her son, Robert Yancy, the Cole family's legacy of musical genius and personal strength endures.

As we reflect on Natalie Cole's life, we are reminded not only of her extraordinary musical gifts but also of her incredible strength in the face of adversity. Her journey offers valuable insights into the complexities of chronic illness and the importance of resilience. We encourage you to revisit her timeless music and share your favorite Natalie Cole memories in the comments below. What song of hers resonates most with you? Your engagement helps keep her memory alive. For more insights into the lives of musical icons, explore other articles on our site.

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