Natalie Cole, Grammy award-winning singer and daughter of legendary crooner Nat King Cole, has died at the age of 65. A statement from her family has revealed she passed away at a Los Angeles hospital “due to complications from ongoing medical issues.”

“It is with heavy hearts that we bring to you all the news of our Mother and sister’s passing. Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived..with dignity, strength and honor. Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever.”

Legendary singer and close friend Tony Bennett confirmed the sad news with this statement:

‎”I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Natalie Cole as I have cherished the long friendship I had with her, her father Nat and the family over the years. Natalie was an exceptional jazz singer and it was an honor to have recorded and performed with her on several occasions. She was a lovely and generous person who will be greatly missed.”

An LA based celebrity news website said Cole died from congestive heart failure following complications from a kidney transplant and Hepatitis C.

In 2008, Cole started suffering from kidney problems due to hepatitis C, which she attributed to her past drug issues. Despite chemotherapy, both kidneys failed, and in 2009, she went public with a request for a kidney donation.

She received a directed donation of a kidney from a deceased donor in May 2009.

Cole scored a big hit in 1991 with Unforgettable – a virtual duet with her late father, who died before his daughter began her solo career.