Natalie Cole Dies at 65

The legendary singer was 65 and passed away due last night to complications from ongoing health issues, her rep said.

“It is with heavy hearts that we bring to you all the news of our Mother and sister's passing," her son, Robert Yancy, and sisters Timolin and Casey said in a statement. "Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived..with dignity, strength and honor. Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever.”

Cole, who had originally been scheduled to perform in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve, withdrew from the performance more than a month beforehand, citing health reasons.

The daughter of Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole was a star in her own right, winning nine Grammy Awards throughout her decades-long career, including Best New Artist of the Year in 1975, the same year she came out with "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)."

Cole became a star overnight, and in 1979, after she'd released four albums -- two of which went platinum in one year -- she was recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.