As Natalie Cole Undergoes Kidney Transplant, Older Sister Dies

Us Magazine - May 22, 2009 8:12 PM PDT
Story photo: As Natalie Cole Undergoes Kidney Transplant, Older Sister DiesNatalie Cole poses in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesUs Magazine
Natalie Cole has a reason to celebrate -- and mourn.

As the singer was undergoing kidney transplant surgery earlier this week, her older sister, Carole "Cookie" Cole died from cancer, the New York Post reports.

"This is all so surreal, and it is devastating," Natalie's younger sister, Timolin Cole, told the newspaper Thursday.

See photos of stars gone too soon.

"Our sister Cookie hadn't been to a doctor in 30 years, and last week she went in and they found a cancerous spot on her lung," Timolin explained. "They had wanted to start chemo right away, but Cookie said no."

Natalie -- who had been receiving dialysis to treat her Hepatitis C -- was with Cookie when she received a call from doctors that a 22-year-old patient died and directed his or her kidney to her.

"Natalie was there with her at her bedside at 4 in the morning on Monday, and she got a phone call from her doctors that a kidney was ready for her," Timolin said.

"She said, 'What do you mean? I can't deal with that right now! I'm here with my dying sister!' And they said to her, 'No, ma'am. We've got to do it now. You've got to be at Cedars-Sinai in two hours.'"

Check out the day's top news photos.

Timolin urged Natalie: "This is God's gift, and you've got to go now. Cookie would want this for you.'"

Cole finally agreed and rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. for the surgery, which was a success. She's expected to go home this weekend, and will recover over the next three to four months.

"She's doing well, and she's going to party like a rock star in no time," Timolin said.

A rep for the singer called Natalie's recovery and Cookie's death "a tragic coincidence."



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comments 1-10 of 37  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Deborah
    I am so sorry. When God closes a door, look for an open window. She's with your dad now, how cool is that.......
    report abuseposted May 31, 2009 10:54 PM PDT
  • annie
    If you know the Lord, this is only "SEE YOU LATER" not good bye!!!!
    report abuseposted May 27, 2009 3:52 PM PDT
  • annie
    If you know the Lord, this is only "SEE YOU LATER" not good bye!!!!
    report abuseposted May 27, 2009 3:52 PM PDT
  • Patty V
    god will be yr strenth to get throu this my prayers are with you and family god bless
    report abuseposted May 23, 2009 9:19 PM PDT
  • Patty V
    god will be yr strenth to get throu this my prayers are with you and family god bless
    report abuseposted May 23, 2009 9:19 PM PDT
  • Veronica M.
    why would she refuse chemo? did she want to die? Thats f***ed up to be healthy and not go to a doctor for 30 years...only to go to be told you have cancer. DAM*!
    report abuseposted May 23, 2009 1:19 PM PDT
  • April F
    My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.Just keep your head up high and one day you will see your sister.May God Bless you all.
    report abuseposted May 23, 2009 4:30 AM PDT
  • April F
    My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.Just keep your head up high and one day you will see your sister.May God Bless you all.
    report abuseposted May 23, 2009 4:30 AM PDT
  • Elsie Cuff R
    May God bless them all.
    report abuseposted May 23, 2009 2:20 AM PDT
  • michaels
    Im in tears as I have followed miss cole for a long time my prayers go out for you and your family
    report abuseposted May 23, 2009 12:08 AM PDT
comments 1-10 of 37  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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