The younger sister of Prince, Tyka Nelson, has had her cause of death disclosed. According to reports from TMZ, the Minneapolis singer, who had recently retired from music following a farewell concert in June, passed away due to cardiac arrest, with congestive heart failure as a contributing factor.
The Minnesota Department of Health released Tyka’s autopsy results on Monday, Nov. 18, revealing that she was 64 at the time of her death. Charles “Chazz” Smith, a cousin of the family, had shared the news of her passing on social media on Nov. 4, expressing his sadness.
Tyka Nelson’s journey through music and family touched many lives worldwide
“Our family is very saddened to share the news of my cousin Tyka Evene Nelson who passed away this morning,” he wrote. Later, Tyka’s son, President LenNard Laeil Nelson, confirmed her death to The Minnesota Star Tribune.
According to her death certificate, Tyka had been dealing with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy for several months before her passing. This condition, as described by the University of Rochester Medical Center, refers to a heart condition caused by factors other than heart attacks or blockages in the arteries. Substance abuse was also noted as a factor contributing to the weakening of her heart.
Tyka was the only full sibling of the iconic musician Prince, and shared parents John L. Nelson and Mattie Shaw Nelson. Throughout her music career, she released four albums: Royal Blue (1988), Yellow Moon, Red Sky (1992), A Brand New Me (2008), and Hustler (2011).
She is survived by six children: daughters Danielle Phillips, Crystal Phillips, Chelsea Phillips, and sons Rachard Phillips, Sir Montece Laeil, and President, whom she had with her husband Maurice Phillips. In an interview with the Star Tribune in June, Tyka shared that she had started working on a memoir about her family, but had not yet finished it at the time. “We’ve got a few more chapters,” she mentioned.
During the same conversation, she reflected on the people who had been part of her life and expressed her gratitude, particularly for those who had supported her brother’s legacy. “I’m one heck of a grateful person who had wonderful people in their life. I miss their wisdom,” she said.
Tyka also spoke about her desire to travel the world and meet the people who loved Prince’s music, explaining, “If I could I’d travel the whole world and meet people that loved him — I’m kind of the last link to him, for some people — it’s like giving back to him.”
