Prince’s sister Taika Nelson dies aged 64

November 6, 2024

Prince’s only sibling, Tyka Nelson, died Monday.

Taika Nelson, sister late music legend Princedied Monday morning at the age of 64.

Her son, President Nelson, confirmed death from Minnesota Star-Tribune but did not reveal any details. Nelson has been months since missing her retirement and farewell concert in June in Dakota.

The musician, who released four albums between 1988 and 2011, was scheduled to host the show and sing a couple of songs. But after her illness, the concert continued without her.

“I’m getting older,” Nelson said before the retirement show. “I wasn’t really a singer. I am a writer. I just know how to sing. I like to sing.”

Nelson, Prince’s only sibling, shared family values. passion in music, as did her brother and their parents, jazz singer Mattie Della Shaw Baker and musician John L. Nelson. Before missing her retirement concert, she shared plans to write a memoir.

The singer has not performed publicly since her last performance in Australia in 2018. Twin Cities musician Paul Peterson worked with Nelson on a 2018 tour and said Nelson was shy about singing despite her natural talent.

“The girl could sing, there’s no doubt about that,” he said Tuesday. “She didn’t get to do this often, so it scared her a little. She had a soulful and sweet voice. She was bubbly and sweet and interested in doing things on her own and keeping Prince’s legacy alive.”

Peterson was to become Nelson’s musical director. concert in Dakota in June, but they only communicated by phone and never met in person. However, in August she wrote a message to him, saying, “I can dance again.”

Her half-sister Sharon Nelson praised Taika Nelson for her authenticity and personality.

“She had her own opinion. She’s in a better place,” Sharon Nelson said.

On the Purple Rain artist’s official IG page, his estate acknowledged Tyka’s death.

“It is with deep sadness and sympathy that we share the news of the passing of Tyka Nelson. Tyka was a beloved mother and sister. She was also a singer, songwriter and widely known as one of Prince’s siblings. She spent a lot of time with him throughout his life. They were raised together by their parents, Mattie and John L. Nelson. Tyka often visited Paisley Park and attended events and celebrations in support of the prince’s legacy. Tyka traveled around the world to thank fans for loving her brother. She loved them and we would like to thank them for their love in return. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to her sons, President and Sir, and her entire family at this time of loss. Rest in peace,” Tyka.

In addition to Sharon Nelson, Tyka and Prince, she had five half-siblings: Sharon, Norrin and John Nelson (who died in 2021), Alfred Jackson (who died in 2019) and Omarr Baker. Taika Nelson is survived by her sons, President and Sir, sisters Sharon and Norrine Nelson, and brother Omarr Baker.