Natalie Cole: Stars React To The Singer’s Death

Reaction to the passing of Grammy-winning singer Natalie Cole, who died in Los Angeles on Thursday at age 65:

“I
am sorry to hear about Natalie Cole’s passing. I had to hold back the
tears. I know how hard she fought. She fought for so long. She was one
of the greatest singers of our time. She represented the Cole legend of
excellence and class quite well.” –Aretha Franklin.

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“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. –Tony Bennett.

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“More
like family than friend was Natalie. My heart aches. My sincere
condolences to her family and may she now rest in peace.” –Dionne
Warwick.

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“We are
very saddened to learn of the passing of one of music’s most celebrated
and iconic women … Natalie followed her legendary father into the
music business with magnificent hits like “Inseparable,” ”This Will Be”
and “Unforgettable,” achieving multiplatinum, worldwide success in her
own right. We’ve lost a wonderful, highly cherished artist.” –Neil
Portnow, president/CEO of The Recording Academy.

“In college, I named
my bass guitar Natalie! As a young stand up comic I opened for Natalie
Cole. She was all that, in all ways! (RIP ).” –Arsenio Hall.

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“#NatalieCole, sister beloved & of substance and sound. May her soul rest in peace. #Inseperable.” –Rev. Jesse Jackson.

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“I
am saddened by the news of the passing of my friend Natalie Cole.
Lovely song bird (and great actress too) – she is now singing in
heaven.” –Marlee Matlin.

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“Peace be still, Natalie Cole, a gracious songbird.” –Pam Grier.

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“Sending
prayers and condolences to all the loved ones of my friend
#NatalieCole! She will be truly missed but her light will shine
forever!” –Patti LaBelle.

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“One
of the loveliest people I’ve ever worked with. She was always sweet,
always wanted to please and was just so nice.” –Ken Erlich, executive
producer of the Grammys.

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“In
a way, she was like a connector. She connected her father’s generation
… and the great pop singers of that time with the generation that cane
right after her, or alongside her, of great women – Whitney, Anita
Baker, Mariah, Celine.” –Ken Erlich.

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“Sophisticated
Lady. I Love Natalie Cole so much man. One of the first childhood idols
I got to meet and nerd out on when I first got in the business.”
–Questlove from The Roots.

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“Rest in peace Natalie Cole.. I will forever love your music. Your voice was like an Angel.” –Fantasia.

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“As
the new year was ushered in, an angelic instrument moved on. Natalie
Cole’s voice was perfection. And what a lady… You will be missed my
dear. Love.” –Lenny Kravitz.

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“Prayers
for #NatalieColes family. She saw and touched the world through her
journey of life and with her beautiful voice. #Inseparable.” –MC
Hammer.

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“We will miss her like crazy.” –Rosie O’Donnell.