Tyka Nelson, the only full sibling of the legendary musician Prince, passed away on November 6, 2024, at the age of 64. Nelson died at North Memorial Health located in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, with her son, President Nelson, confirming the news to The Associated Press.
The details surrounding the cause of her death remain unclear, as President Nelson stated he does not expect to have more information for several days. Tyka Nelson was born on May 18, 1960, to jazz musician John L. Nelson and his wife, Mattie Della Shaw, just two years after Prince, whose real name was Prince Rogers Nelson.
A talented singer-songwriter, Nelson made waves on the music scene, releasing multiple albums throughout her career. Her debut album, "Royal Blue," came out in 1988, featuring the hit singles "Marc Anthony's Tune" and "L.O.V.E." Both tracks garnered considerable attention, with "Marc Anthony's Tune" charting for 11 weeks on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at No. 33. Nelson described her album as centered on love relationships, asserting, "The album is basically about love relationships between a man and a woman. I’m royal blue because I can’t find him," referring to her unique perspective as she navigated her sibling's overwhelming fame.
According to The Associated Press, her sound diverged from Prince's style, characterized more as adult-contemporary or easy-listening, aiming for audiences aged 25 to 45. After "Royal Blue," she released three other albums: "Yellow Moon, Red Sky" (1992), "A Brand New Me" (2008), and "Hustler" (2011). Throughout her life and career, Tyka Nelson dedicated herself to honoring her brother's legacy, often participating in fan gatherings and industry events, ensuring Prince's influence lived on.
Alongside her career pursuits, Nelson is remembered for her depth as she navigated the complex relationship of being Prince's sister. She candidly reflected on this dynamic, stating, "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." This sentiment reveals the constant visibility her brother's stardom cast over her identity.
Tragically, she was unable to perform at her scheduled farewell concert at the Dakota, a notable jazz club, planned for June 2024. She had expressed excitement for the event and was also working on new material, including a mixtape and her memoir at the time of her passing. Her son, President, noted, "Born 1960, the daughter of Mattie and John Nelson, she was best known as Prince’s sister and worked to keep his legacy alive with his fans attending fan and industry events." Nelson leaves behind two sons, President and Sir, and five grandchildren, who will carry on her memory.
The circumstances surrounding the loss hit particularly hard in light of Prince’s own tragic death back on April 21, 2016, following an accidental fentanyl overdose at his Paisley Park home. Tyka was one of Prince's six surviving siblings, inheriting equal interests in his estate after he passed without a will. After his death, Nelson, as well as her half-siblings, worked to uphold his legacy and continue building his brand.
Despite her challenges, Tyka Nelson has always been vocal about her love and connection to her brother. She stayed engaged with the community of community fans and artists, sharing stories about her late brother and contributing her unique perspective to the narrative of his life and work.
"Services for Tyka will be private; and in lieu of flowers, the family has asked for kindness to each other," President Nelson mentioned, highlighting the family's desire for unity and love during this painful time.
Fans and the music community alike mourn the loss of Tyka Nelson. From her noteworthy contributions to music to her work preserving Prince's legacy, she remains cherished, not only as Prince's sister but also as an artist whose life story intertwined with one of the most iconic figures of music history.
