Legendary musician Prince Rogers Nelson’s sister Tyka Nelson passed away on Monday at North Memorial Health in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. She was 64.
The “Royal Blue” singer had reportedly been ill since June 2024, when she was forced to skip her farewell concert due to health issues. However, the cause of death is still unknown. According to the AP, Nelson had revealed that she was working on a memoir and a mixtape, which is set to be released soon.
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Nelson was born on May 18, 1960, to musician John L. Nelson and singer Mattie Della Shaw. She was the only sibling of Prince Rogers Nelson.
The news of Tyka Nelson’s demise was confirmed by her son, President Nelson. Among her family members, her cousin Charles ‘Chazz’ Smith tweeted about her death on X.
“Our family is very saddened to share the news of my cousin Tyka Evene Nelson who passed away this morning.” He wrote.
The musician is survived by her husband, Maurice Phillips. The couple shared six children: Danielle Phillips, Crystal Phillips, Chelsea Phillips, Rachard Phillips, Sir Montece Laeil and President.
She embarked on her musical career in 1988 with the release of her debut music album, “Royal Blue.” Speaking about her release in an interview with the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, Nelson said:
“The album is basically about love relationships between a man and a woman. I’m royal blue because I can’t find him,”
Nelson gave some biggest hits like ‘March Anthony’s Tune’ and ‘L.O.V.E.’ She later released three more albums, “Yellow Moon, Red Sky (1992)”, “A Brand New Me (2008)” and “Hustler (2011).”
Maurice Phillips and Tyka Nelson’s relationship
Tyka Nelson has always kept her personal life away from the eyes of the media. She married Maurice Phillips aka Resse Phillips in 2010. He hails from South Bend, Indiana. The couple shared six children from their past relationships. Nelson jokingly called them the Black Brady Brunch.
Sharing some insights about her family life, she once wrote on her Facebook page,
“we have 6 kids (young adults) Sir (Greg) Prez (Peter) Chelsea (Marsha) Rachard (Bobby) Crystal (Jan) and the baby (Danielle (aka Cindy…The Black Brady Bunch!!”
After Prince's passing, Tyka Nelson inherited his estate, as he had no spouse, children, or living parents, in accordance with Minnesota state law. Phillips supported his wife and family after Prince’s demise.
In a statement to KARE-TV, he said that he had been trying to protect Prince in the days following his tragic death. Nelson also released a song titled 'Until…Ode 2 Resse' for her husband on her YouTube channel.
Fan’s reaction to Tyka Nelson’s death
Fans were deeply saddened to hear the news of the musician, Tyka Nelson's demise. They took to social media to express their views.
"The news about Tyka is especially saddening to hear because us Purple folks know the relationship #Prince had with her. Positive or negative, family is family. Tyka was very kind to us after we lost him. I’ll never forget that, or her. Rest in Music, Tyka Nelson." One fan wrote on X.
"Just hearing that #TykaNelson, sister of music legend #Prince, has passed away. I was incredibly lucky to meet and speak to her in #Minneapolis in 2019 she was very lovely and incredibly friendly and we had a very wonderful in depth conversation about her life and Prince. RIP." Another person wrote.
"It is so true. Saddened to hear singer Tyka Nelson who was Prince's sister passed away today at the age of 64. No news yet on how she died. She was nothing but nice to me and had beautiful vocals. Let's keep the Nelson family in our prayers." Wrote someone else.
"Rest in Peace Tyka Nelson-you are reunited w/your brother now." One more tweeted.
"Man....sad to hear Tyka Evene Nelson, sister to @prince has passed. Age 64 - gone too soon. R.I.P. the daughter of John L. and Mattie. His true sibling...Troubled times." A user commented.
Tyka’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through her music, and the love she shared with those around her.
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