On Monday morning, the music world mourned the loss of Tyka Nelson, singer-songwriter and the only full sibling of the late iconic musician Prince, who died at the age of 64.
Tyka Nelson, renowned for both her musical talent and her familial ties to Prince, passed away without a disclosed cause of death, NBC News reported.
Tyka Nelson, born on May 18, 1960, was the youngest child of pianist John L. Nelson and Mattie Shaw Nelson. Her family rooted itself deeply in music, a trait she and her brother Prince demonstrated through their prodigious talents. She released four albums over the decades, starting in 1988 and continuing until 2011.
Nelson’s music journey occasionally brought her into the limelight alongside her brother, especially during events and tributes after his death in 2016. Despite her musical achievements, Nelson revealed in interviews that she viewed herself more as a writer than a singer, reflecting her humility and creative spirit.
She released her last album in 2011, showcasing her enduring passion for music, which she balanced with her personal life, staying away from the high-energy celebrity lifestyle that often surrounded her brother. Through her music, Nelson carved her own path, blending rhythm and soul in a style distinct from Prince’s yet equally resonant.
Nelson planned one of her last major public engagements as a retirement and farewell concert for June of the previous year. However, health issues prevented her from performing, and the event proceeded without her. She gave her final live performance in Australia in 2018, marking the close of her active role in the global music scene.
Though she stepped back from the stage, Nelson stayed connected to the arts, spending her last years working on a personal project—a memoir aimed at sharing her unique experiences and perspective on living in both the shadow and light of one of pop culture’s biggest icons.
After Prince's death, Tyka Nelson and her siblings navigated the complex process of managing his estate, thrusting them into the public eye. By 2022, they finalized the distribution of Prince's $156.4 million estate, with Nelson and two other heirs selling their shares to Primary Wave Music. This sale became part of a larger arrangement that included various beneficiaries, such as advisors and several of Prince's other siblings.
Nelson supported the transformation of Paisley Park, Prince's creative sanctuary, into a museum as a way to preserve and celebrate her brother's artistic legacy.
Tyka Nelson leaves behind her two sons, President and Sir, her siblings Sharon and Norrine, and her brother Omarr Baker. Her life was defined by her own artistic contributions and her role in supporting and sustaining her brother’s legacy.
Upon news of her passing, expressions of condolence and tribute poured in from across the music industry and fans worldwide. A representative for Primary Wave reflected on her impact, acknowledging her as "a talented singer and songwriter and Prince’s sister," whose efforts to honor her brother were deeply appreciated.
Her sister Sharon Nelson shared her emotional response, stating simply, "She had her mind," and expressed relief that Tyka is now "in a better place." These sentiments underscore the profound bonds within the Nelson family, touched by both extraordinary talent and profound challenges.
With Tyka Nelson's death, the musical legacy of the Nelson family dims slightly, yet her spirit, like her brother’s, will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence both musicians and fans for generations to come.
