UPDATED:
Hours after undergoing a life saving kidney transplant, Grammy Award-winner Natalie Cole has lost her older sister Carol "Cookie" Cole. She was 64.
The singer's younger sister Timolin Cole told the New York Post on Thursday that her ailing sister recently discovered a "cancerous spot on her lung."
"This is all so surreal, and it is devastating," she said. "Our sister Cookie hadn't been to a doctor in 30 years, and last week she went in and they found a cancerous spot on her lung. They had wanted to start chemo right away, but Cookie said no."
Cole continued, "Natalie was there with her at her bedside at 4 in the morning on Monday, and she got a phone call from her doctors that a kidney was ready for her."
"She said, 'What do you mean? I can't deal with that right now! I'm here with my dying sister!' And they said to her, 'No, ma'am. We've got to do it now. You've got to be at Cedars-Sinai in two hours.'
"I told her, 'Natalie, this is God's gift, and you've got to go now. Cookie would want this for you.'"
Natalie Cole Pictures
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole (L) and actor/singer Jamie Foxx backstage at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole, winner of the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "Still Unforgettable" poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: (L-R) Musicians Herbie Hancock, Natalie Cole, and Sean "Diddy" Combs speak during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer Natalie Cole arrives at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer/songwriter Natalie Cole arrives at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Singer/songwriter Natalie Cole arrives at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
Getty Images
It was announced on Wednesday night that Natalie Cole underwent kidney transplant surgery and is resting comfortably.
The 59-year-old Grammy Award winning singer has been battling Hepatitic C and publicly revealed that she was in search of a kidney donor on 'Larry King Live' in March.
The kidney reportedly came from a deceased organ donor, her spokeswoman confirmed.
Cole underwent surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
The 'Unforgettable' singer revealed her Hepatitis C diagnosis last July, attributing it to her excessive drug use during the 1970s.
She has been receiving kidney dialysis three times a week since September, even as she toured the world to promote her latest opus, 'Still Unforgettable.'
Cole is expected to recuperate for the next three to four months, forcing her to postpone the previously scheduled summer tour.
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
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Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
Comments: (19)
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By: "DimePiece" on 5/21/2009 2:32PM
I wish Ms. Natile Cole a "Good Recovery"! God is GOOD! I just pray that she takes it easy and don't do any tours no time soon. BV had an article of Ms. Natilie a couple of weeks ago or so, of some of the tour dates she was going to tour? I couldn't believe it at the time? Now, she has her her Kidney, she needs to rest and recover. Natilie shouldn't worry, her fam, friends, & fans will always be there to support her and NOT GOING NO WHERE! I also pray for every person in the world who needs a transplant to find donors as well! What a remarkable story!
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By: Ellie on 5/21/2009 3:04PM
Why are we giving organs to old worn out junkies and drunks? They are the source of their own organ failure. People like Cole and David Crosby who have swallowed, snorted and shot everything humanly possible into their bodies,get organs while everyday people die waiting. They should never get new organs, but they have money! Another system that is run by money.
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By: "DimePiece" on 5/21/2009 4:11PM
Ellie,
You know that was wrong of you to say somethin harsh like that. Do you know for certain that Natalie got her kidney quick because of $$$$? It seems like you are feelin some kind of way? Has this happened to you or someone you love? No celebrity, singer, ect.. should be treated highly than the rest! It doesn't work that way. Ms. Natilie had to wait just like other people with Kidney problems. Now, she might have gotten a donor quicker just because she was on Larry King and it was on nation wide TV and people called in and wanted to donate their Kidney to her. She had an advantage there. I hate for people like you to wish and think the worst of other people. Yeah, Ms. Natalie was a junkie or whatever you want to call it but, I'm sure she has repented her sins and asked God for forgiveness. So please, SHOW SOME LOVE AND SUPPORT for her, and for EVERYBODY in this world who is in need of a Kidney Transplant!
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By: g on 5/23/2009 10:09PM
Ellie,
What goes around, comes around. There is not much to say to someone like you who wishes bad things to happen to people. I would be careful if I were you. Karma is a mother.
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By: lakesha on 5/25/2009 8:15AM
I am sorry but I agree with Ellie! There are so many sick, unwealthy good people waiting on a kidney donar. Famous people or people with money have often been put to the top of the list just because of who they are. It isn't fair for people to do drugs and destroy their own body while other people dying waiting. I wish her the best of luck but I will continue for those poor unfamous people out there who are still patiently waiting on a donar.
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By: Jazz on 5/22/2009 7:10AM
i pray for her that she recovers completely and continute to live a full life...as for u Ellie...hopefully this never happens to u or to anyone u know...ur mean comments was not necessary...and maybe the kidney natalie received was specifically suitable for her body and not anyone else's....or...maybe that's what God wanted to do....maybe it was HIS WILL that natalie get this particular kidney....maybe it was natalie's blessing from God....now go somewhere and be quiet Ellie.....Get well Natalie!!!! u are still unforgettable!!!!!
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By: Capbe07 on 5/22/2009 8:40AM
WOW, just reading the comment regarding a ICON who fell down but got back up. I would like to say that the kidney she shall recieve is from her son what a beautiful and courageous gift to give. I hope that she recovers soon and with people praying for her and not condeming her it shall and will happen. It is so easy to pull out the judgement book, but we have all falling short in some area of our life and need help and restoration. Let's get along and move on to positive outcomes and not negative criticism. Stay strong Ms Cole and know that many are praying for and with you..
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By: "DimePiece" on 5/22/2009 9:45AM
Capbe07,
It says in the above article that The kidney reportedly came from a deceased organ donor. This information was confirmed by Natalie's spokeswoman?
The article also says that, Ms. Cole underwent surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles this past Tuesday? Is your information correct? LOL :-)
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By: SJackson on 5/22/2009 10:45PM
Natalie,
Nothing is impossible with GOD. I pray you a swift recovery and I just know in my spirit that GOD will allow your body to take hold of this new gift...a gift of GOD's sweet grace and love.
I pray strength for your family during the loss of your beloved sister. Just know the world is praying for you and her...May His Blessings continually be upon you and your family.
Stay Blessed.
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By: Urbanprincess on 5/23/2009 12:24AM
I just read the update, my thoughts and prayers goes out to the Natalie, The Cole Family, and friends. Ms. Natalie got her Kidney and lost a sister. That's so sad. Maybe, if her sister would have regularly seen a Doctor, she would have been alive today? I couldn't believe, her sister refused chemo? I guess in her mind, it was too late to do anything? I pray that Natalie and her Family will get through these hard and difficult times. It says in the Bible, "In order for God to work through us and bless us, we have to lay down our loved ones. That is so true! Here God blessed her with a Kidney. God is GOOD! Remember God is our MAIN and ONLY SOURCE!!!!!
R.I.P. Carl Cookie Cole
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