His music transcended genres, his performances were electrifying, and his legacy remains etched in the annals of music history. Prince, the enigmatic and multi-talented artist, left an irreplaceable void when he passed away in 2016. While his death shocked the world, his sister, Tyka Nelson, offers a poignant glimpse into his final days, marked by a mysterious illness and a yearning for connection.
Prince’s Declining Health: A Shroud of Mystery
In the weeks leading up to his untimely demise, Prince, known for his boundless energy and unwavering stage presence, was battling an undisclosed illness. While initially attributed to influenza, the severity of his condition became increasingly apparent when he was forced to cancel concerts in Atlanta.
Prince performing in 2015. (Photo by Karrah Kobus/NPG Records via Getty Images)
Prince performing in 2015. (Photo by Karrah Kobus/NPG Records via Getty Images).
Despite his declining health, Prince remained committed to his craft. He powered through his final concert in Atlanta on April 14th, 2016, captivating the audience with his signature blend of soul, funk, and rock. A haunting rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case Of You” hinted at the vulnerability that lay beneath his iconic persona.
A Harrowing Flight and a Brother’s Evasion
The flight back to Minnesota following that final performance proved to be a turning point. Prince, unresponsive mid-flight, necessitated an emergency landing. Though he dismissed the incident as dehydration, concerns for his well-being escalated.
Tyka, Prince’s only full sibling, sensed her brother’s struggle. In a candid interview with the Star Tribune, she revealed their final conversations, tinged with a sense of urgency and unanswered questions. She recalled his evasiveness, his deflection of her concerns with humor and a change of subject.
Tyka Nelson is Prince's only full sibling. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)
Tyka Nelson is Prince’s only full sibling. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic).
A Final Phone Call and a Desire for Reconnection
Their last conversation, a phone call days before his death, amplified Tyka’s unease. Prince, she recounted, seemed preoccupied with family matters, urging her to reconnect with their half-sister, Sharon. “He kept avoiding questions,” she shared, “I kept getting mad. I felt like, ‘Talk to me for two seconds.’ He’d change the subject, make a joke and then we’d both laugh.”
Prince was one of the most electrifying performers of all time. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Prince was one of the most electrifying performers of all time. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images).
His insistence on rekindling family ties, coupled with his uncharacteristic avoidance, suggested a man grappling with his mortality. In retrospect, Tyka believes these actions were his way of seeking solace and closure in the face of the unknown.
A Legacy Remembered
Prince’s death, attributed to an accidental overdose of fentanyl, sent shockwaves throughout the music industry and beyond. His innovative spirit, his unparalleled musicality, and his captivating stage presence left an indelible mark on generations of music lovers.
Tyka’s insights into his final days offer a poignant reminder that behind the dazzling stage persona was a complex and sensitive soul. Prince’s legacy, however, extends far beyond the tragedy of his passing. His music continues to inspire, his artistry continues to amaze, and his impact on the world of music remains immeasurable.
