Tyka Nelson, the beloved musician and only full sibling of the legendary Prince, has passed away at the age of 64. Her son, President Nelson, confirmed her death on Monday at North Memorial Health in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, though the cause remains undisclosed for now.
Born on May 18, 1960, to jazz musician John L. Nelson and Mattie Della Shaw, Tyka was just two years younger than her iconic brother. Throughout her career, she carved her own path in the music industry, releasing four albums that showcased her talent as a singer-songwriter. Her debut album, *Royal Blue*, released in 1988, featured hits such as “Marc Anthony’s Tune,” which spent an impressive 11 weeks on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaked at No. 33. Another notable track from the album, “L.O.V.E.,” also made waves, reaching No. 52.
Reflecting on her music, Tyka once shared with the *Star Tribune*, “The album is basically about love relationships between a man and a woman. I’m royal blue because I can’t find him.” She often embraced her identity as Prince’s sister while also emphasizing her individuality: “The funniest thing is people say, ‘How does it feel to be Prince’s sister?’ They don’t actually realize what they’re saying. I’ve been Prince’s sister ever since I got here on Earth.”
Tyka released three more albums over her career: *Yellow Moon, Red Sky* in 1992, *A Brand New Me* in 2008, and *Hustler* in 2011. She was deeply involved in preserving Prince’s legacy after his untimely death from an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2016. Tyka dedicated herself to connecting with fans and keeping his memory alive through various events.
In a poignant statement about his mother’s legacy, President Nelson noted that she was known primarily as Prince’s sister but worked tirelessly to honor his contributions to music and culture. “Services will be private,” he added, “and in lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you take care of one another.”
Tyka was preparing for a farewell concert at the Dakota in Minneapolis this past June but had to cancel due to illness. She had expressed excitement about releasing a new mixtape and working on a memoir shortly before her passing.
Survived by her two sons—President and Sir—and five grandchildren, Tyka Nelson leaves behind a rich musical legacy intertwined with the memory of one of music’s greatest icons.
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