The reason Prince’s sister Tyka Nelson required paramedics ‘multiple’ times ahead of her death at age 64

The reason Prince's sister Tyka Nelson required paramedics 'multiple' times ahead of her death at age 64

As I delve into the life story of Tyka Nelson, the sister of music legend Prince, I am struck by the profound depth and resilience that she has displayed throughout her journey. Her struggles with addiction, her close relationship with her brother in his final years, and her unique cultural heritage all come together to paint a vivid picture of a woman who has faced adversity head-on.


In the days prior to her passing at the age of 64 on Monday, Tyka Nelson, the sister of the late Prince, had to seek medical help several times because of severe health problems.

According to reports, the deceased musician is said to have contacted Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at least six times since September of this year, prior to his passing at North Memorial Health in Robbinsdale, Minnesota.

Her last call was made on November 1, three days ahead of her death, according to TMZ. 

Despite her name not appearing on every emergency call log, it has been verified that each incident was either initiated by her personally or at her request, given complications such as bleeding in the digestive system, heart-related concerns, and discomfort from an infection.

On September 14th, she was urgently taken from her residence in Minneapolis to North Memorial Health Hospital, located in Robbinsdale, Minnesota.

The reason Prince's sister Tyka Nelson required paramedics 'multiple' times ahead of her death at age 64

Insiders close to her family told TMZ that she allegedly suffered from heart issues. 

Tyka’s son President Nelson confirmed her death with The Star Tribune earlier this week. 

💔 Heartbroken to announce that my beloved cousin, Tyka Evene Nelson, left us today. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow. 😢❤️ #RestInPeaceTyka

Tyka, born to parents John L. Nelson and Mattie Shaw Nelson, was Prince’s sole full sibling. On Monday, her sister Sharon Nelson shared with The Tribune: ‘She possessed her own thoughts. She’s now at peace.’

Earlier this year, Tyka fell sick and unfortunately couldn’t attend her own retirement and farewell performance at the Dakota in New York City in June.

From 1988 to 2011, she put out a total of four albums, named “Royal Blue” (in 1988), “Yellow Moon” (in 1992), “Red Sky” (in 1992 as well), “A Brand New Me” (in 2008), and “Hustler” (in 2011).

Before her last performance, she shared with the Minnesota Star Tribune that she feels she’s growing older. She emphasized, “I was never truly a singer, but rather a writer. It so happens that I can sing, and I find pleasure in doing so.

Tyka also revealed earlier this year that she was working on a memoir.

The reason Prince's sister Tyka Nelson required paramedics 'multiple' times ahead of her death at age 64

She made her last public performance in Australia, in 2018 with a Prince tribute show.

Prior to the 2018 performance, Tyka discussed how her deceased brother, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 57 due to an unintentional fentanyl overdose, has significantly impacted her own music journey.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, she disclosed that she found solace by immersing herself in her brother’s music during his passing.

She shared that her initial composition was made as a token of respect for her brother and both parents.

Entitled “End Of The Road”, this song was created a year following his demise, and it was recorded at his Paisley Park Studios.

She revealed to the media that the song served as a means for her to express her emotions to the world. Furthermore, by following what he had asked of her for many years – visiting Paisley Park to record – she was able to do so.

While Prince strongly encouraged Tkya to launch her own music career, Tkya stated that she did not want to intrude on his territory in the spotlight.

The reason Prince's sister Tyka Nelson required paramedics 'multiple' times ahead of her death at age 64

She confessed that she hadn’t felt the need to collaborate with him earlier, as she desired to maintain a unique musical persona for herself. She was aware of his ability to create music, yet unsure about her own capabilities.

In a 2017 interview, Tyka shared that she had foreseen her brother’s death about three years prior to it happening.

She shared that she felt a premonition that something terrible was imminent following the day when her musical idol brother called, telling her he had accomplished all he set out to do.

On ITV’s Lorraine show, Tyka confessed that Prince’s drug overdose was the first instance where she didn’t resort to drugs or alcohol as a means to hide her sorrow, or numb the pain of her grief.

Tyka shared with temporary host Christine Lampard that she was at McDonald’s when her phone rang from an unidentified caller.

He said, “Is this Tyka? It’s Prince speaking,” and I replied, “Over so many years, I have come to recognize your voice, I am well aware of your identity.

As we strolled along and chatted, he remarked, “It seems like I’ve accomplished all I set out to do,” which implied that his time had come to a close.

She explained that from that moment onwards, she had been ‘waiting’ for his tragic passing.

The reason Prince's sister Tyka Nelson required paramedics 'multiple' times ahead of her death at age 64

‘Initially, I intended to purchase earrings for his funeral, but instead, I decided on a necklace. I’ve been planning this for quite some time now, and I’ve informed all my relatives about Prince’s passing. It has been three years since I received the news at McDonald’s.’

When I received the news that he had died, I understood instantly as it was simply a matter of time before that day came.

Tyka added: ‘I don’t know if it’s Native American history – we do sense things as a people.’

Additionally, she shared insights into her personal challenges, acknowledging that she has experienced turbulent highs and lows ever since the passing of Prince at the age of 57.

She found it most challenging (among all her siblings), as they had shared their entire lives up until then. It wasn’t until last October that it truly struck her, she mentioned at that time.

Despite having some challenging times, things are improving. I can visualize myself at the concert, when I first listened to the demo tape for the very first time.

Tyka courageously disclosed: “For the first time, I am not hiding my sorrow with substances like drugs and alcohol.

The reason Prince's sister Tyka Nelson required paramedics 'multiple' times ahead of her death at age 64

‘This is the first time what I’m feeling has come out in music, not drugs and alcohol.’

Tyka rebuilt a strong bond with her brother during his later life, following a challenging period in their relationship where Tyka battled addiction to crack cocaine.

She shared that after her parents passed away, she found herself struggling with her sobriety. However, Prince stood by her during this difficult time and provided financial assistance when she sought treatment in a rehabilitation center.

Tyka additionally shared the significance of the three beaded plaits located on the right side of her hairstyle. These represent her deceased mother, father, and Prince.

She shared that upon her passing, her braid from the left will be transferred to join the rest on the right.

When Prince passed away in 2016 without any surviving children, spouse, or a written will, his six siblings were recognized as his rightful heirs according to the laws of Minnesota.

In the time since, Tyka, Omarr Baker, and Alfred Jackson all transferred their shares to Primary Wave.

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2024-11-08 02:04

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