NEW YORK (AP) — Natalie Cole’s family said the singer’s cause of death was idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, which led to heart failure.
Her family said in a statement to The Associated Press on Thursday that after Cole received a kidney transplant in 2009, she was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare lung disease that causes shortness of breath, dizziness and sometimes chest pain. Because Cole’s case was idiopathic, the exact cause is unknown.
The statement read: “(Cole) responded well to pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific agents over many years, during which she performed many concerts world-wide, but eventually succumbed to intractable right heart failure, an outcome that unfortunately commonly occurs in this progressive disorder.”
Cole died last week. She had battled drug problems and hepatitis that forced her to undergo a kidney transplant.
Funeral services for Cole will be held this Monday, January 11, at West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles.
According to Earl Jordan, Executive Director of Operations at the church, services will be at 11 a.m. in the Cathedral building at 3045 Crenshaw Blvd.
Officiating will be Pastor Melvin Wade of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Ms. Cole was a former member of West Angeles, but when her son Robert joined Mt. Moriah, she started attending that church to support her son, Jordan told EUR’s Lee Bailey.
The complete program for the services has not been set, but Jordan did confirm that singer Chaka Khan will be present to perform. The family is still working on the program and should make an announcement with more details tomorrow. We’ve also been informed that Cole’s casket will not be open at any time during the ceremony. Additionally, no viewing of her body is scheduled.
Interment will be at Forest Lawn.
Like BlackAmericaWeb.com on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
