Tyka Nelson, Prince’s Sister, Passes Away at 64
Tyka Nelson, the only full sibling of the iconic musician Prince, has died at the age of 64. A representative for Prince’s estate confirmed the news to Variety on Monday, although no cause of death was revealed.
A Renowned Singer in Her Own Right
Nelson was a talented singer and songwriter in her own right, releasing four albums between 1988 and 2011. She was scheduled to hold a retirement and farewell concert last June but had to cancel due to illness. The Minneapolis Star Tribune was the first to report her passing.
Looking Back on Tyka Nelson’s Musical Career
Speaking to the Minnesota Star Tribune prior to her canceled concert, Nelson modestly described herself as “a writer who just happens to be able to sing.” She shared that she was working on a memoir and expressed, “I’m getting older.”
Family Legacy and Prince’s Connection
Born on May 18, 1960, Tyka was the daughter of John L. Nelson, a pianist who collaborated with Prince on multiple occasions. Her mother was Mattie Shaw Nelson. Sharon Nelson, Tyka’s sister, remarked to the Tribune, “She had her own mind. She’s in a better place.”
Tyka Nelson is survived by her sons President and Sir, sisters Sharon and Norrine Nelson, and brother Omarr Baker.
Prince’s Heirs
Following Prince’s untimely death from an accidental drug overdose in 2016, Tyka was one of six siblings and half-siblings who were recognized as his legal heirs. She and two other siblings opted to sell their shares in Prince’s estate to Primary Wave Music, while the remaining siblings retained their holdings.
Honoring Prince’s Legacy
Despite some challenges in managing Prince’s estate, recent years have seen collaborative efforts among the heirs and Primary Wave in moving forward with projects that honor Prince’s enduring legacy.
This includes the release of extended boxed sets, the reopening of Prince’s Paisley Park compound as a museum, and ongoing work on other initiatives.