Natalie Cole Bonded With Kentucky Priest Who Almost Gave Her His Kidney
After legendary jazz singer Natalie Cole died from heart complications last Thursday, one priest is revealing that he almost donated a kidney to her.
Natalie, the 65-year-old Grammy Award winning singing daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, died on December 31 from heart failure. After surviving health complications such as Hepatitis C from heavy drug use and kidney failure, she received a kidney transplant in 2009.
Now, the Rev. James Sichko from Saint Mark Catholic Church in Richmond, Kentucky, is revealing that he once was willing to donate his own organ to the famous singer after developing a bond with her.
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"Sichko said he secretly contacted Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to see if it were possible for him to donate a kidney to an ailing Cole," according to a Lexington Herald Leader report. "She later got a match from a different donor."
The pair developed a friendship after Cole performed during a celebrity concert at his church in 2007 and then later in 2009. The priest said she left a lasting impression on both him and his parishioners.
"Our parish really rallied around her, supporting her through prayer," he told the Herald Leader.
Despite some of her life challenges, Sichko insisted "she didn't give up and God didn't give up on her."
"When these celebrities come to St. Mark we don't treat them any differently," the priest said. "We treat them as if they are any other parishioners."
Aside from Sichko, another minister shared fond memories of the "This Will Be" and "Unforgettable" singer.
"#NatalieCole, sister beloved & of substance and sound. May her soul rest in peace. #Inseperable," Rev. Jesse Jackson tweeted .
A number of other recognizable names publicly offered their prayers and thoughts concerning Cole's untimely death.
"We have truly lost an underappreciated soul singing master. That don't make her like they used to that much I do know," Roots drummer Questlove wrote in an endearing Instagram message."God bless her soul and her family in this time."
Legendary soul singer Patti LaBelle also offered her condolences to Cole's family and friends.
"Sending prayers and condolences to all the loved ones of my friend #NatalieCole! She will be truly missed but her light will shine forever," Labelle wrote.
Yet another veteran singer, Cher, also honored Cole on social media by writing, "Natalie Cole...A voice from heaven has been called home."
