Grammy-winning singer and Natalie Cole has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and says she probably contracted the liver disease from drug use more than 30 years ago.
The disease was revealed during a routine examination. Cole, 58, the daughter of the legendary singer Nat King Cole, is said to be responding well to treatment but suffering "significant side effects" such as fatigue, muscle aches and dehydration.
The famed singer, whose father died of lung cancer when she was only 15, chronicled her addiction to cocaine, heroin and alcohol in her 2000 autobiography "Angel On My Shoulder", which was later adapted for television. Cole overcame her addictions after a lengthy stint in rehab in the early 1980s.
Cole says, "I've been so fortunate to have learned so much from my past experiences," said Cole. "I am embraced by the love and support of my family and friends; I am committed to my belief in myself and in my abiding faith to meet this challenge with a heartfelt optimism and determination. This is how I intend to deal with this current challenge in my life."
Producer, author and pastor Kevin E. Taylor is a longtime friend to Natalie Cole and write the discography of "Angel On My Shoulder." I am just really prayerful about Natalie's health," RevKev tells Rod 2.0. "She's doing really well and just trusting that God and her faith will keep her healthy. "
Throughout a 30-year career singing jazz, pop and R&B, Natalie Cole has won eight Grammys and released hit albums such as "Everlasting" and "Unforgettable ... With Love," which featured her singing a duet with her late father via electronic technology. A follow-up album, "Still Unforgettable," is scheduled to be released in September.
Natalie Cole Says She Has Hepatitis C [AP]
Natalie Cole diagnosed with Hep C [UPI]
You May Enjoy ...
First Look: Natalie Cole's "Leavin' " [R20]
Natalie Cole on "SVU" [R20]
Conversation with Kevin E. Taylor [R20]
This is very sad news. Luckily, Miss Cole is responding well. Godspeed.
Posted by: DT | 16 July 2008 at 16:41
I'm a huge fan of Natalie Cole's. This is sad news, but it shows Natalie's CLASS and HONOR that she is taking this in stride. And this too shall pass.
Posted by: ID | 16 July 2008 at 16:50
Oh, I didn't know that Rev. Kev knew Natalie and worked on her autobiography. That is amazing.
Posted by: David | 16 July 2008 at 17:08
Very sad news but this is not fatal. Natalie is a SURVIVOR.
Posted by: Oliver | 16 July 2008 at 17:16
Rod, thanks for posting this. I am just really prayerful about Natalie's health. She's doing really well and just trusting that God and her faith will keep her healthy. Since she's in such extraordinary shape, especially for a 58 year old woman, the treatment is treating her really well. She's recouping quickly, although she had to cancel her recent Hollywood Bowl appearance with Wynton Marsalis.
Natalie is my favorite singer on the planet Earth and I am being insanely biased her, but she's a wonderful woman and a sweet lady. She's like a sister and I know that she's going to be well. I trust God.
Yes, David, I wrote the final 12 page of Natalie's ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER. She asked me to chronicle her entire music career, from her first song at 6 with her father as a child to her Greatest Hits from 2000. It was an assignment that I have been readying for my entire life.
A personal moment if I may. As an openly gay man, who is also a pastor, I was always "concerned" about where Natalie stood, with her faith and my orientation. One day, over a 4-hour lunch, we talked about, God, love, faith and so many other things. After that talk, even though I have been a fan since 1975 and we have been personal friends for much of that time, I was really transported to another level of love for her. She had a gay brother, but we were so bonded by that conversation.
I am praying for her and I am so prayerful that she will be well. I know that the doctors are giving a good report, but I am still praying ferverently, trusting God to use this experience to guide her even higher.
She is my Sophisticated Lady!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 16 July 2008 at 17:24
RevKev, moved part of your comment into the post, thanks.
Posted by: Rod | 16 July 2008 at 17:38
Wow, this is crazy, I hope Natalie gets well soon. Oh, and I bet RevKev has wonderful stories.
Posted by: trw | 16 July 2008 at 17:39
I was recently successfully treated for hep c so I know how rough the treatments can be. However, it is a great sign when her hep c is made undetectable early in treatment. It likely means she will permanently clear the virus. My thoughts are with her...
Posted by: djd | 16 July 2008 at 17:49
This is incredible. I didn't know that hep c could remain dormant for so long. Best wishes to Natalie, but I am sure she will come through.
Posted by: Henry W | 16 July 2008 at 17:50
I was recently successfully treated for hep c so I know how rough the treatments can be. However, it is a great sign when her hep c is made undetectable early in treatment. It likely means she will permanently clear the virus. My thoughts are with her...
Posted by: djd | 16 July 2008 at 17:52
I love love love Natalie Cole. I can still hear the 'Party Lights' 45 that I wore the grooves off as a kid. She is in my prayers. Thanks for sharing Rod and Rev.
Posted by: Lavenderpop | 16 July 2008 at 18:28
Lavenderpop,
I don't normally respond to responses or comments but PARTY LIGHTS!!! That is my JOINT!
THE LIVE VERSION!
THE LIVE VERSION!
THE LIVE VERSION!
I wore a groove into our floor!!!
WHY DON'T YOU PARTY WITH ME?
I DON'T WANNA PARTY BY MYSELF!
MAN, YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE ME SHOUT RIGHT UP HERE IN THIS LIVING ROOM AND BREAK OUT "NATALIE...LIVE!"
Posted by: TheRevKev | 16 July 2008 at 18:34
OMG. I remember that song. Work it out, RevKev and Lavenderpop, work it out boys.!
Please send my very best to Miss Natalie Cole. I pray for her health and continued success.
Posted by: Henry W | 16 July 2008 at 19:36
I'm deeply hurt by this ... Natalie's one of my top divas. I hope she recovers and gets back on her feet. You'll be alright girl! As for the "Natalie Live" LP and "Party Lights" ...
"GET UP, STAND UP ... SHOW YOURSELF ... GET UP!!!!!!!!!!!"
LOL ... she was getting it on that one.
Posted by: Me | 16 July 2008 at 20:43
"ME"!!! STOP!!!! You are going to force me to tell this story!
*************
"YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO
TO GET INTO THE GROOVE!"
Man, I am telling y'all, I was 13 years old and I had spent my summer money on a copy of Natalie...Live! I would press my earphones to my ears so tightly that they would hurt to take off. I was listening to PARTY LIGHTS and I thought that it reminded me of church. I remembered being told to sit down when I was 12 years old and the Holy Ghost broke out at Carron Baptist Church in Southwest, DC. I thought I heard the rousing sounds within Party Lights that I heard when the Youth Choir was on fire and the church was rockin'. I thought I heard something that I had never heard before. I was told to sit down by an usher at my church, but when Natalie sang, she did just the opposite. She said:
"GET UP. STAND UP. SHOW YOURSELF. GET UP. PEOPLE! EVERYBODY! CHILDREN! EVERYBODY PARTY...HEARTY! COME ON SAY PARTY...HEARTY!...EVERYBODY! EVERYBODY! EVERYBODY!"
That day, Natalie Maria Cole transcended from simple diva to Simply Divine.
When my mother caught home, I was on the floor, laid out and crying because Natalie Cole gave me back the sound of God that the church took from me one Sunday when they told me that I didn't know what I was shouting about when that usher sat me down and told me to stop playing. Somehow, Natalie knew I wasn't playing and instead of silencing me, she led me directly into the Party Lights and there I found something that felt like God!
I love this woman and will always have a special place in my soul that adores Natalie Cole like no one else.
Posted by: TheRevKev | 16 July 2008 at 21:58
I forgot you wrote those pages Kev. You know I want to say way back in the day, we chatted about being Natalie fans on a board or something, because your stories are very familiar. I love your devotion to her, it's amazing.
Posted by: Me | 16 July 2008 at 22:24
DJD, thanks for sharing your story. It's very uplifting. I am so happy you are doing better. I'm HIV positive and have not had hep c, but, am well aware of its ramifications. You will be fine, and, so will Miss Natalie. Love that woman, she is an angel.
RevKev, Me and Lavenderpop. Thanks for this brilliant session of church and walk down memory lane. I love it. I love it and I love you all for helping to uplift me tonight.
Oh, and Rod, thanks for sharing and starting this conversation. Love you all and let's pray for Miss Natalie Cole.
Posted by: West Side Poz | 16 July 2008 at 22:48
Stay strong, Natalie Cole. Let's send well wishes and prayers to her website, too.
Posted by: CA | 17 July 2008 at 10:50
Rev, you schooled me. I didn't know there was a LIVE version! Well I'm off to Dr. Wax Music Store to have me some church! Peace brothas.
Posted by: Lavenderpop | 17 July 2008 at 19:06
Lavenderpop, you ain't never lied. This has been a wonderful trip down memory lane.
I am praying for Natalie and trust she will triumph as always. Such a brilliant woman.
Posted by: M Mark | 18 July 2008 at 22:30