Tyka Nelson, Sister of Music Icon Prince, Dead at 64

Family Confirms Tyka Nelson's Passing

Tyka Nelson, talented musician and only full sibling to the legendary artist Prince, died at age 64. Her son, President Nelson, confirmed her passing to The Minnesota Star Tribune but would not comment on more other than her date: Monday, November 4.

A Musical Career Marked by Her Own Legacy

Born to John L. Nelson and Mattie Shaw Nelson, Tyka shared her musical heritage with her brother, releasing a total of four albums between 1988 and 2011. Though a singer herself, Tyka claimed later that writing was the passion. She had already planned a final show in Minneapolis, her hometown, this coming June. Her health intervened, however, and she had to cancel. "I'm getting older… I really wasn't a singer. I'm a writer. I just happen to be able to sing," Tyka said, looking back on her career.

A Family Engaged in Legal Battles Over Prince's Estate

Following the death of Prince from an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2016, Tyka and her half-siblings endured years of legal battles regarding how to divvy up his estate. Back in July, a big ruling came down when a Delaware judge rejected a motion from some of Tyka's half-siblings-Sharon, Norrine, and John Nelson-seeking to remove administrators that had been overseeing Prince's estate. The siblings had initially chosen L. Appoint Londell McMillan and Charles Spicer Jr. to the helm of Prince Legacy LLC, a company set up to manage the singer's assets, although this later proved a point of contention.

While some siblings did contest the handling of the estate, Tyka, as well as Omarr Baker and Alfred Jackson, opted to sell their inherited shares to Primary Wave-a music management company. Along with Primary Wave, Prince Legacy LLC has the responsibility to manage and preserve Prince's incredibly vast musical legacy-a cause dear to Tyka.

Tyka's Commitment to Preserving Prince's Legacy

Tyka did not stray away from paying her respects to her brother's memory as an artist. In an interview with Studio 10 in 2018, she wished that people would remember Prince for all of his talents outside of music. "I'd like for my brother to be remembered as the consummate artist that he is," Tyka said, reflecting on Prince's work as a musician, a fashion designer, actor, and entertainer. "Me voilà qui te montre tout ce qu'il a gardé pour toi parce que sa vie était pour toi", poursuit-elle, en toute dévouée à la mémoire de son père.