As she readies the release of her latest music project, Grammy Award-winning diva Natalie Cole announced that she has been diagnosed with hepatitis C today.
"I've been so fortunate to have learned so much from my past experiences," the 'This Will Be' singer said in a statement.
"I am embraced by the love and support of my family and friends; I am committed to my belief in myself and in my abiding faith to meet this challenge with a heartfelt optimism and determination," she continued. "This is how I intend to deal with this current challenge in my life."
Hepatitis C is a liver disease spread through contact with infected blood.
The disease was revealed during a routine examination and was likely caused by her excessive drug use years ago, which was subsequently chronicled in her 2000 autobiography, 'Angel on My Shoulder'.Dr. Graham Woolf, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA/Cedars Sinai Medical Center, told the 'Associated Press' that Cole has had a "terrific response to her medication and is now virus negative."
"This gives her an increased chance of cure," he said. "But, she has also suffered significant side effects from the anti-viral medicine, which is the only FDA authorized treatment for hepatitis C. Her side effects include fatigue, muscle aches and dehydration but she is recovering from these."
Cole, who just celebrated her 58th birthday in February, is the daughter of late entertainment legend Nat King Cole. An internationally renowned recording star in her own right – who can just about sing anything from jazz to rock- she has sold millions of records over her storied career, which spans four decades. She starred in the movies 'Lily In Winter' and 'Always Outnumbered,' and appeared on the TV series 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Law & Order.'
She also hosted the syndicated television talent contest 'Big Break.'
'Still Unforgettable,' the follow-up to her 199 multiple Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum CD "Unforgettable ... With Love," is due out via Rhino Records in September.
Comments: (44)
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By: SHERRY on 7/16/2008 9:04AM
Stay strong, trust in the Lord. I"ve ALWAYS loved Natalie Cole. When I was junior high I made a scrap book of her, from albums and "Right On" magazines. My prayers are with her and her family.
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By: Kallie on 7/16/2008 10:34AM
Be strong. My mother has Hep C, contracted it from a blood transfusion immediately after I was born, but was not diagnosed until about 5 years ago. Good luck to you!
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By: S. Flemming on 7/16/2008 11:56AM
Get well soon Natalie! You'll be fine - I have no doubt! :-)
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By: Mac McAllister on 7/17/2008 1:31PM
TRIBUTE TO NATALIE COLE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSgz_r97KDw
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By: ATLfnst on 7/18/2008 12:01PM
NATALIE, DON'T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING LOVELY, KEEP "OUR FATHER" FIRST BECAUSE YOU CAN BEAT THE ODDS AND OVERCOME THAT ILLNESS. I'VE ALWAYS LOVED YOUR MUSIC AND STILL DO TODAY. YOU'RE ONE OF THE MANY STRONGE BLACK LEGENDARY WOMEN THAT WILL ALWAYS AND FOREVER HAVE SUPPORT OF LOYAL FANS SUCH AS MYSELF. STAY STRONGE AND ALWAYS PRAY!
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By: sandra celestin on 7/18/2008 7:03PM
I'm not surprise for viruses come hand in hand with drugs. It's inevitable and tragic. sorry cole.
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By: sandra celestin on 7/18/2008 7:02PM
I'm not surprise for viruses come hand in hand with drugs. It's inevitable and tragic. sorry cole.
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By: Ann on 7/18/2008 8:12PM
My husband had hep. c and went thru the treatments and it was not a pretty site. He is virus free now. God is good and will do exactly what he said he would do according to his will, we have to do our part also. Trust him and draw close to him by making him first in youe life. Praise God for his son and his childrens. That is you and all of us. Never cease to pray.
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By: Jake Hurdle on 7/18/2008 10:05PM
DEAR NATALIE COLE I HAVE BEEN WITH YOU EVER SINCE THIS WILL BE AND ALWAYS WILL HAVE YOUR HEART,VOICE,AND SOUL IN MY MIND. NATALIE THE MOST EXCITED THING WAS WHEN I MET YOU @ THE HAMPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL IN VA JUNE 26,1986 9:59 PM IN THE HALL WAY.IT WAS A WONDERFUL MOMENT.ALSO YOU WERE WONDERFUL @ THE ELLA FITZGERALD JAZZ FESTIVAL APRIL 21,2007 @ FERGUSON CENTER OF ARTS IN NEWPORT NEWS VA. I WAS THE ONE WHO MADE THE SCRAP BOOK OF YOU THAT TRACY YOUR BACK UP SINGER GAVE TO YOU. I LOVE YOU SEE FANS LIKE ME ALWAYS GONNA BE THERE FOR U, U HAVE ALL OF OUR PRAYERS BCUZ YOU R UNFORGETTABLE,INSEPARABLE,UNPREDICTABLE,SO THANKFUL FOR OUR LOVE AND A SMILE LIKE MINES,,JAKE HURDLE PORTSMOUTH VA
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By: Bob McCartney on 7/20/2008 9:04PM
Natalie:
Long time fan, the whitest, of yours. Have all of your cd's. Just purchased (The magic of Christmas)that I did not have. Tried to see you in Jacksonville, Fl. but sold out. Maybe one of these days before I expire I will be able to see you in concert.I sincerely wish you God Speed and a quick recovery. We love you Nat.
Bob McCartney
Tallahassee,Florida
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