Remembering Tyka Nelson: The Unsung Sister of Prince Who Left an Indelible Mark

In a moving tribute to artistic spirit, Tyka Nelson, the sister of the legendary musician Prince, passed away on Monday in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, at the age of 64. The news was confirmed by her son, President Nelson, though he did not disclose a cause of death.

Born Tyka Evene Nelson on May 18, 1960, in Minneapolis, she was the only full sibling of Prince Rogers Nelson, who ignited his meteoric rise to fame in the late 1970s. Their father, John L. Nelson, was a factory worker and a jazz pianist, performing under the name Prince Rogers, while their mother, Mattie (Shaw) Nelson, was a jazz singer, cultivating a rich musical upbringing for the siblings.

While Tyka often lived in the shadow of her brother—who is remembered for his groundbreaking impact on music—she carved out her own path in the industry. Dubbed “the most famous unknown singer,” Tyka's unique voice gave rise to two notable singles: “Marc Anthony’s Tune” and “L.O.V.E.” These tracks showcased her musical talent, with the former reaching No. 33 on Billboard’s R&B chart.

Despite her successes, Tyka faced personal challenges, including a battle with substance abuse, exacerbated by the loss of their father in 2001. In candid interviews, she revealed how she reached out to Prince during her struggles, demonstrating the closeness of their bond. However, tragedy would strike again in April 2016 when Prince was found dead from an accidental opioid overdose, a devastating loss that left a profound impact on Tyka.

In the aftermath of Prince’s death, Tyka undertook the challenging task of securing his estate, which was valued at approximately $156 million. With no will in place and his only son having passed away in infancy, Tyka worked alongside her half-siblings to claim control over the estate, ultimately selling a majority share to the music management firm Primary Wave.

Tyka remained steadfast in her commitment to promoting Prince's legacy, playing a crucial role in the posthumous releases of his music, including the previously unreleased album "Welcome 2 America." In her words, “Prince always wanted people to hear his music,” cementing her dedication to sharing his artistic genius with the world.

In addition to her son President, she is survived by another son, Sir, and three half-siblings. Tyka's dedication to both her own music career and her efforts to honor her brother's extraordinary legacy solidify her position as more than just Prince's sister; she was an artist in her own right.

As the music world mourns the loss of Tyka Nelson, who helped keep the flame of her brother's creative spirit alive, many will remember her resilience and passion for the art they both cherished so deeply.