Reaction to the death of Natalie Cole

REACTION TO THE DEATH OF GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER NATALIE COLE:

"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.

"Natalie was an exceptional jazz singer and it was an honour to have recorded and performed with her on several occasions. She was a lovely and generous person who will be greatly missed. - Tony Bennett.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"Sending prayers and condolences to all the loved ones of my friend (hash)NatalieCole! She will be truly missed but her light will shine forever!" - Patti LaBelle.

"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.

"Rest in peace Natalie Cole. I will forever love your music. Your voice was like an Angel." - Fantasia.

"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.

"Prayers for (hash)NatalieColes family. She saw and touched the world through her journey of life and with her beautiful voice. (hash)Inseparable." - MC Hammer.

"We will miss her like crazy." - Rosie O'Donnell.

Originally published as Reaction to the death of Natalie Cole