Prince's Sister Tyka Nelson Dead at 64
Prince’s family is mourning a great loss.
The late singer’s sister Tyka Nelson, who was a musician in her own right, died Nov. 4, a rep for the Prince estate confirmed to E! News. She was 64.
“We are incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Tyka Nelson," Primary Wave shared in a statement on Nov. 5, offering condolences to her sons President Nelson and Sir Nelson. "She was well known as a talented singer and songwriter and Prince’s sister, supporting him and working to keep his legacy alive for years. Our thoughts are with President, Sir and her entire family during this difficult time.”
Tyka's son President first confirmed the news to The Minnesota Star Tribune. The outlet noted that beyond sharing the news of Tyka’s death, President declined to offer more details.
Tyka was born to jazz musician John L. Nelson and singer Mattie Della Shaw in 1960. She spent the majority of her life in Minneapolis, Minnesota, not far from where Prince's Paisley Park estate and museum is located.
While the musical success of her older brother Prince (born Prince Rogers Nelson) loomed large, she was also a successful musician, releasing four albums throughout her life. Most notably, she found success with her 1988 track “Marc Anthony’s Tune.” However, in recent years, she stepped back from performing, with her last concert taking place in 2018 in Australia.
“She had her own mind,” her sister Sharon Nelson, told the Tribune. “She’s in a better place.”
In her acceptance speech, Tyka praised her late brother’s contribution to music.
“Prince defied the odds, a Black teen from Minneapolis with a goal to electrify the world,” she recalled. “He had the courage to be different. With his vision and God-given talent, he is still one of the world’s most respected and loved artists.”
Tyka is also survived her sister Norrine Nelson and brother Omarr Baker.
Over the years, she shared insight into her bond with her brother Prince. Following the “Purple Rain” singer’s death in 2016 at 57, Tyka famously accepted his American Music Award trophy for Favorite Soundtrack, calling him “our wonderful friend, teacher and brother.
Tyka got emotional during her acceptance, declaring, “Until we see you again, this is for you.”
She also shared insight into what Prince hoped his legacy would be. “But what he told me was that he wanted to be known as the world’s most prolific songwriter,” she noted. “And with 984 titles to his credit, and counting, he has done just that. In the words of Prince, ‘With love, honor, and respect for every living thing in the universe, separation ceases and we all become one being singing one song.’”