Tyka Nelson Death, Obituary – The music world is mourning the loss of Tyka Evene Nelson, the sister of the late music icon Prince. Tyka, a talented singer and songwriter in her own right, passed away at the age of 64, just months after missing a much-anticipated farewell concert due to illness. Her family confirmed her death on Monday, with her son, President Nelson, sharing the news, though no additional details about her passing were immediately provided.
Tyka Nelson was well known in the Minneapolis music scene, and she had a career that spanned several decades. The singer and songwriter, who released four albums between 1988 and 2011, was expected to perform at a retirement concert in June 2024, but her health struggles prevented her from taking the stage. Fans were left heartbroken when she was absent from the performance, which was intended as her official farewell to the music industry.
Tyka herself had previously acknowledged the toll that age had taken on her, telling the *Minnesota Star Tribune* ahead of the concert, “I’m getting older. I really wasn’t a singer. I’m a writer. I just happen to be able to sing. I enjoy singing.”
Although Tyka was best known for being Prince’s sister, she carved out her own path as a musician. Her sound was a mix of soul, pop, and gospel influences, reflective of her deep Minnesota roots. Despite not achieving the same level of fame as her legendary brother, Tyka’s work resonated with a devoted group of fans who admired her authenticity and heartfelt songwriting.
Tyka released her first album, *Tyka*, in 1988, followed by several more over the years, including *Chasing the Sun* in 2004 and *The Voice* in 2011. Her music reflected her unique perspective on life, love, and the struggles of personal growth. In addition to her music, Tyka was known to be a talented writer, and she had been working on a memoir before her passing, a project that she had shared with those closest to her.
Family and friends have expressed their deep sorrow over her death, with her cousin, Charles “Chazz” Smith, sharing an emotional tribute on Facebook. “Our family is very saddened to share the news of my cousin Tyka Evene Nelson who passed away this morning,” Smith wrote. “She was an amazing person, and her legacy will live on through her music and the love she gave to so many.”
Tyka’s death marks another devastating blow for the Nelson family, coming just eight years after the death of her famous brother, Prince. The world was stunned when Prince passed away in 2016 at the age of 57 from an accidental fentanyl overdose. Since his passing, Tyka had been a key figure in preserving his legacy, often speaking about him with deep affection and pride. Her passing, following that of her brother, has left a void in the Nelson family, but their memories of both Tyka and Prince remain strong.
In an emotional statement, Tyka’s sister, Sharon Nelson, shared her grief, reflecting on Tyka’s independent nature and her love for life. “She had her own mind,” Sharon said. “She’s in a better place.” Sharon also noted that she and Tyka only truly connected after Prince’s death in 2016, highlighting the complicated family dynamics and the closeness that developed later in their lives.
Tyka is survived by her sons, President and Sir, as well as her sisters Sharon and Norrine Nelson, and her brother Omarr Baker. The family is still processing their loss but has found comfort in knowing that Tyka is now at peace.
Tyka’s death will be felt deeply by her fans and the music community, but her legacy as a singer, songwriter, and loving mother will undoubtedly endure. As her family mourns, the world remembers Tyka Evene Nelson not only as the sister of a global superstar but as a talented artist in her own right, whose music and spirit touched many lives.
