Natalie Cole Dies From Rare Lung Disease At 65

Natalie Cole passed away on December 31 at the age of 65 said to be caused by a rare lung disease that also imperils the heart's health.

In an official statement released by her family, it was said that the singer died of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, a condition that followed after she was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension in 2009, Huffington Post said.

Health authorities, however cannot exactly point out the exact cause of the musician's death for its idiopathic nature. Reports, however, said that patient suffering from the illness will experience shortness of breath, dizziness and chest pains.

"(Cole) responded well to pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific agents over many years, during which she performed many concerts world-wide, but eventually succumbed to intractable right heart failure, an outcome that unfortunately commonly occurs in this progressive disorder," the statement said.

In an autobiography released in 2000, the singer revealed her painful phase in combatting heroin, crack cocaine and alcohol addiction. Cole's history in drug use was said to be the cause of having been infected with hepatitis C which she found out in 2008, according to Fox News.

In her musical career, Natalie Cole, who is the daughter of the legend Nat King Cole, had her heyday in 1991 with the release of the album "Unforgettable ... With Love," a compilation of timeless, remastered tracks of the legend with her personal touch included especially in songs like 'That Sunday That Summer,' 'Too Young' and 'Mona Lisa.'

The album received six Grammy Awards and had become a hit as it sold 14 million copies.

"Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived ... with dignity, strength and honor. Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever," Natalie Cole's family said in a statement as mentioned in Rollingstone.