US Singer Natalie Cole dies at 65

Natalie Cole poses backstage during the 14th Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, in this file picture taken November 21, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Nine-time Grammy winner Natalie Maria Cole died on the New Year's Eve Thursday at age 65, local media reported Friday.

Weak health forced Cole, who followed her father jazz great Nat King Cole into the music business, to cancel concert performances over the last three months after a recurrence of hepatitis C linked to her earlier drug abuse.

Cole, as a singer, song writer and performer left the world beautiful songs like "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) and "Unforgettable".

"Natalie Cole, sister beloved & of substance and sound. May her soul rest in peace," tweeted the Rev. Jesse Jackson on New Year's Day.