Natalie Cole dies at 65: Tony Bennett, Bonnie Rait and more pay respect

Jan. 2, 2016, 9:18 PM UTC / Source: TODAY

By Nicole Spector

The first day of the New Year turned somber for many when news of Natalie Cole's death broke Friday.

The Grammy-award winning singer and daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, died Thursday night "due to complications from ongoing health issues," her family said in a statement. She was 65-years-old.

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Natalie Cole, An ‘Unforgettable’ Voice for Decades, Dies at Age 65

Jan. 1, 201601:43

Moved by the loss of a great talent, many celebrities paid their respects on social media.

Here's a look at some of the touching tributes.

Mariah Carey

https://www.instagram.com/p/BACPAU9reCa

Tony Bennett

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAAX-_ozOev

India Arie

#RipNatalieCole I REALLY loved her. She was ALWAYS so kind and fun and encouraging. I cant believe shes gone.
— India.Arie (@indiaarie) January 1, 2016

Tom Brokaw

natalie cole - a great lady and singer - gone at 65. we shared a birthday 2/6 - and i was so pleased to be her friend
— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 2, 2016

Al Roker

Watch this video Natalie Cole and her dad. #Unforgettable https://t.co/fPgcPX4IBx pic.twitter.com/jPzJuzv27F
— Al Roker (@alroker) January 1, 2016

Paula Abdul

I'm so sad #NatalieCole has passed. She was grace & dignity personified. I feel grateful & honored I got a chance to know her. #RIPNatalie
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) January 2, 2016

Randy Jackson

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAAdLntltQj

Vanessa Williams

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAA0ExRA8vA

Bonnie Rait

I'm so saddened to hear of Natalie Cole's passing. She was a truly incredible singer and such a warm and classy... https://t.co/Tg3TRqdIam
— Bonnie Raitt (@TheBonnieRaitt) January 2, 2016

Bette Midler

Natalie Cole died yesterday. What a beautiful voice she had, and what a beautiful soul, finally at rest...
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) January 2, 2016

Bernadette Peters

Natalie Cole ,,,,,,RIP Dear One!
— Bernadette Peters (@OfficialBPeters) January 2, 2016

Lenny Kravitz

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAAZ7aKPD_w

MC Hammer

Listen to "Inseparable"by #NatalieCole RIP https://t.co/fUvOXoyqdX
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) January 2, 2016

Patti LaBelle

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAAuKuhOc60

Kenny G

So sad about Natalie Cole. Played many charity shows with her. Amazing voice, wonderful lady Always easy. Always a pro....you will be missed
— Kenny G (@officialkennyg) January 2, 2016

Katie Couric

So terribly sad about Natalie Cole. I loved her music and the way she carried on her father's legacy. RIP Natalie.
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) January 2, 2016

Chaka Khan

My heart is heavy with the loss longtime friend @NatalieCole. Her presence & talent will b missed. Good nights, Sis. pic.twitter.com/zLKZ9ivvz3
— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) January 1, 2016

Cher

NATALIE COLE …..A VOICE FROM HEAVEN HAS BEEN CALLED HOME
— Cher (@cher) January 1, 2016

Tyra Banks

.@NatalieCole, I remember your lovely duet with your daddy. It was technological and creative genius. You will be missed.
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) January 1, 2016

Jordin Sparks

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAAWAOtMUQw

Natalie Cole shared her last Instagram post 8 months ago, a photo of she and fellow singer-songwriter Carole King.

https://www.instagram.com/p/21csGmCFdR