Prince’s Legacy Through Tyka Nelson’s Eyes: 5 Things to Know About His Fiercely Loyal Sister

Prince’s death in 2016 left a profound void not only in the music world but also in the hearts of those who loved him most, particularly his younger sister, Tyka Nelson. Despite being the sibling of one of the most iconic musicians of all time, Tyka’s love for her brother transcended his fame. She often reflected on their special bond, remembering the days when they both dreamed of stardom, long before the world knew his name.

Here are five things to know about Tyka Nelson, the fiercely loyal sister who was also an artist in her own right:

1. A Deep Bond Rooted in Music

Tyka Nelson and Prince shared an inseparable connection through music. Growing up together in Minneapolis, they were influenced by legendary artists like Elvis Presley and often entertained each other with dreams of fame. While Prince was certain of his future as a musical icon, Tyka was initially less aware of his looming stardom. She recalled in a 2017 interview how she was unaware of the full extent of his global impact until fans began sharing their personal stories with her. “I didn’t know Prince was that big,” she said, her eyes welling up as she reflected on the way his music saved lives, with one fan even sharing how Prince’s songs kept her from suicide.

2. A Musician in Her Own Right

Although Tyka was often seen as the younger sibling of a legend, she carved her own path in music. Her debut album, Royal Blue, was released in 1988, and she continued to perform and release music throughout her career. Despite her vocal talents, Tyka always considered herself more of a writer than a singer. “I really wasn’t a singer. I’m a writer,” she confessed in 2024. She was in the process of working on her memoir, which she hoped would tell the story of her life and her family. Tyka’s music career may not have reached the astronomical heights of her brother’s, but her contribution to the world of music was undeniable.

3. A Devoted Mother

Tyka was a proud mother to six children, including daughters Danielle, Crystal, and Chelsea, and sons Rachard, Sir Montece, and President. She was married to Maurice Phillips, and together they formed a close-knit family. Despite the demands of her music career, family was always her cornerstone. Tyka’s commitment to her children reflected the same nurturing love and loyalty that she had for her brother Prince.

4. Her Role as One of Prince’s Heirs

After Prince’s sudden death in 2016, Tyka, along with her half-siblings, was named one of the legal heirs to Prince’s vast estate, which included music royalties, unreleased material, and other assets. She chose to sell the majority of her share in the estate but kept 2 percent for herself and her family. Tyka’s role in managing Prince’s estate was essential, as she worked to ensure his legacy was preserved for future generations.

5. Her Commitment to Preserving Prince’s Legacy

Tyka’s devotion to her brother’s memory was unwavering. She worked tirelessly to preserve Prince’s incredible legacy, particularly his music. One of her primary goals was to release the unreleased tracks that Prince had kept in his private vault, a treasure trove of music that she believed was a key part of his legacy. “He’s written a massive amount of music,” Tyka shared in a 2016 interview, “and in one of our conversations, he said, ‘How I want to be remembered is as one of the most prolific writers in the world.’” Tyka was determined to fulfill that wish, ensuring that Prince’s music, and his story, would live on forever.

A Sister’s Love That Endures

Tyka Nelson’s relationship with her brother was not just about shared memories or music; it was a testament to the deep love and loyalty that siblings share. Although Tyka has now passed, her legacy and commitment to preserving Prince’s legacy live on. Tyka was not just a sister to Prince—she was his biggest fan, his confidante, and an essential part of the story that continues to unfold in the wake of his passing.

Her dedication to her family, her music, and the preservation of her brother’s artistic genius serves as a reminder of the power of love and the enduring bond that transcends even the brightest fame.