Heartbreak for Prince’s Family: Tyka Nelson Passes Away, Son Shares Emotional Farewell

In a heartfelt and somber announcement, the world has learned of the passing of Tyka Evene Nelson, the beloved sister of the late music icon Prince. Tyka, a singer and songwriter in her own right, passed away at age 64, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with her famous brother’s but uniquely her own.

The tragic news came from her son, President Nelson, who shared the announcement this past Monday, November 4. In a brief yet touching statement, President Nelson shared the news with The Star Tribune, though he refrained from providing further details about the circumstances of her passing. Shortly afterward, family member Charles “Chazz” Smith posted a statement on Facebook, expressing the family’s profound sadness over the loss of their cherished loved one. “Our family is very saddened to share the news of my cousin Tyka Evene Nelson who passed away this morning,” Chazz wrote, reflecting the deep sorrow felt by all who knew her.

A Life in Music and Reflection

Much like her legendary brother, Tyka Nelson lived a life deeply connected to music. She released four albums between 1988 and 2011, carving out a distinct space for herself in the music industry. Her artistic journey, however, wasn’t without complexity. Tyka often expressed that, at her core, she was more of a writer than a singer. “I really wasn’t a singer. I’m a writer. I just happen to be able to sing. I enjoy singing,” she candidly told The Star Tribune earlier this year. It was this love for storytelling that propelled her both as a lyricist and a performer, providing fans a glimpse into her creative world beyond her famous family ties.

In addition to her music, Tyka had been working on a memoir, a project she hinted at during her June interview. The memoir was set to explore her own personal journey, ambitions, and perhaps insights into her life alongside her iconic brother, Prince. Fans and family alike looked forward to learning more about her story and legacy through her own words.

A Bittersweet Farewell

Tyka had planned to take a final bow from the stage earlier this year, marking her retirement with a farewell concert at the Dakota in New York. However, a sudden illness prevented her from performing, and she was forced to step back, allowing the show to go on without her. Her last public performance had been a decade earlier, in 2008, in her hometown of Minneapolis at Bunkers, with a final overseas show in Australia in 2018.

Despite the challenges, Tyka was described by family and friends as fiercely independent, with her own mind and spirit. “She had her own mind,” her sister Sharon Nelson said in a touching statement following the news. “She’s in a better place.”

For Prince fans and all who appreciated the Nelson family’s immense contributions to music, Tyka’s passing is a significant loss. She may not have shared her brother’s level of fame, but her creative spirit and authenticity left an indelible mark on those who knew and loved her music.

In mourning Tyka, we are reminded of her words, her strength, and her undeniable talent—a voice silenced too soon, but one that will resonate in the hearts of those who loved her. Rest in peace, Tyka Evene Nelson.