Singer Natalie Cole was diagnosed with hepatitis C over a year ago and due to the treatment, ended up having issues with her kidney which resulted in a need for a transplant. On Tuesday Cole received a new kidney.
A rep for Cole said, “The kidney came from a deceased organ donor through the regional organ procurement agency One Legacy.” The family had held out hope that Natalie’s son Robert would be able to donate a kidney to his mother, but in February it was determined that he was not a good match.
Cole has undergone kidney dialysis three times a week since September 2008. With a new lease on life, the singer is expected to take 3-4 months for recuperation before returning to the stage.
Natalie’s planned summer tour for her album Still Unforgettable is on hold, but her rep says she fully intended to move forward when her health is restored.