Music legend Prince’s sister Tyka Nelson, 64, dies just months after being forced to skip farewell concert

TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA: Tyka Nelson, a musician and the sister of the late legendary singer Prince, has reportedly died at age 64.

Born on May 18, 1960, Nelson died after a period of illness, which had previously led her to withdraw from a farewell concert in June.

Her family has not disclosed her cause of death.

Prince’s sister Tyka Nelson dies ahead of planned retirement concert

Tyka's son, President Nelson, shared the news on social media, while her cousin, Charles 'Chazz' Smith, wrote, “Our family is very saddened to share the news of my cousin Tyka Evene Nelson who passed away this morning.”

Her sister Sharon Nelson also shared an emotional tribute to her. "She had her own mind. She’s in a better place,” she told the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Most recently, Tyka was set to headline her retirement concert at the Dakota in June, where she was slated to sing and emcee the event.

Unfortunately, she had to step back due to illness, though the show went on in her absence. “I’m getting older,” Tyka had admitted to the Star Tribune before the scheduled performance.

“I really wasn’t a singer. I’m a writer. I just happen to be able to sing. I enjoy singing,” she said. She had also shared plans to work on a memoir, capturing her life experiences and creative journey.

Sharon Nelson, who lived on the East Coast for 50 years, revealed that she only got to know Tyka more deeply after Prince died in 2016 when the former returned to the Twin Cities.

Prince's sister Tyka Nelson was an R&B artist

As the daughter of jazz musician John L Nelson and Mattie Shaw Nelson, Tyka Nelson was Prince’s only real sibling, growing up in a family deeply embedded in music.

She released four albums over her career, spanning from 1988 to 2011, blending her unique voice and personal lyrics.

Her discography includes 'Royal Blue' (1988), 'Yellow Moon', 'Red Sky' (1992), 'A Brand New Me' (2008), and 'Hustler' (2011), a testament to her enduring presence in the R&B music scene.

Her song 'Marc Anthony’s Tune' peaked at Number 33 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in July 1988. The song, produced by Larry Graham, was inspired by her admiration for the singer Marc Anthony.

Tyka's last performance in her hometown, the Twin Cities, was in 2008 at Bunkers, with her final public appearance in Australia in 2018.

Her music career left a lasting mark, and though she described herself as primarily a writer, her albums reflected her rich artistry.

Tyka Nelson leaves behind her six children and her legacy 

Tyka Nelson was married to Maurice Phillips and was a mother of six children -- daughters Danielle, Crystal, and Chelsea, and sons Rachard, Sir Montece Laeil, and President LenNard Laeil Nelson, according to People.

Tyka’s death marks another chapter of loss for the Nelson family, coming eight years after Prince’s untimely death at 57, which was attributed to an accidental fentanyl overdose. 

Despite her musical career, she often remained in the shadow of her famous brother, Prince, but continued to honor his legacy.

She accepted Prince’s American Music Award for Top Soundtrack on his behalf following his death, showing her dedication to his memory.