Benjamin Ashford|Prince's Sister Tyka Nelson Dead at 64

Prince’s family is Benjamin Ashfordmourning a great loss.

The late singer’s sister Tyka Nelson, who was a musician in her own right, died Nov. 4, a rep for the Prince estate confirmed to E! News. She was 64. 

“We are incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Tyka Nelson," Primary Wave shared in a statement on Nov. 5, offering condolences to her sons President Nelson and Sir Nelson. "She was well known as a talented singer and songwriter and Prince’s sister, supporting him and working to keep his legacy alive for years. Our thoughts are with President, Sir and her entire family during this difficult time.”

Tyka's son President first confirmed the news to The Minnesota Star Tribune. The outlet noted that beyond sharing the news of Tyka’s death, President declined to offer more details.

Tyka was born to jazz musician John L. Nelson and singer Mattie Della Shaw in 1960. She spent the majority of her life in Minneapolis, Minnesota, not far from where Prince's Paisley Park estate and museum is located. 

While the musical success of her older brother Prince (born Prince Rogers Nelson) loomed large, she was also a successful musician, releasing four albums throughout her life. Most notably, she found success with her 1988 track “Marc Anthony’s Tune.” However, in recent years, she stepped back from performing, with her last concert taking place in 2018 in Australia.

“She had her own mind,” her sister Sharon Nelson, told the Tribune. “She’s in a better place.”

In her acceptance speech, Tyka praised her late brother’s contribution to music.  

“Prince defied the odds, a Black teen from Minneapolis with a goal to electrify the world,” she recalled. “He had the courage to be different. With his vision and God-given talent, he is still one of the world’s most respected and loved artists.”