Pop Culture

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

TODAY

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

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

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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

Tony Bennett

India Arie

Tom Brokaw

Al Roker

Paula Abdul

Randy Jackson

Vanessa Williams

Bonnie Rait

Bette Midler

Bernadette Peters

Lenny Kravitz

MC Hammer

Patti LaBelle

Rest in peace dear Natalie! You will be missed and never forgotten! #NatalieCole

A post shared by Patti LaBelle (@mspattilabelle) on

Kenny G

Katie Couric

Chaka Khan

Cher

Tyra Banks

Jordin Sparks

I am so sad to hear about Natalie Cole's passing. I feel she has always been apart of my life in many ways. Before the craziness & now. Her father, Nat King Cole, is my favorite artist of all time. 'Smile' is a song I sing to myself whenever things get overwhelming. I sang 'This Will Be' on the American Idol tour w/ @mdoolittle, my favorite part of that show. A few years later, I had the honor of actually singing it with her on stage. I don't remember what I sounded like, I was too much in awe of her. But, I sure remember her standing next to me, voice so pure & clear as a bell. I will never ever forget that moment. She was always so kind & exuded so much grace. Rest in everlasting love. I'm sure the heavens are absolutely loving you and your dad rejoicing together. 'Unforgettable in every way....' That you are, Natalie, that you are.❤️

A post shared by Jordin Sparks (@jordinsparks) on

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

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