What was Natalie Cole Net Worth?

Natalie Cole had an estimated net worth of $5 million at the time of her death in 2015. A Grammy-winning artist, she built her fortune through a successful music career that spanned decades, with major hits in R&B, pop, and jazz.

Music Career

Cole rose to prominence in the 1970s with hit songs such as “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” “Inseparable,” and “Our Love.” Her debut album “Inseparable” was a major success, earning her two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist—making her the first African-American artist to win in that category.

The daughter of legendary singer Nat King Cole, she initially faced comparisons but went on to establish her own identity in the music industry. Her biggest commercial success came in the 1990s with “Unforgettable…with Love,” a tribute album to her father that sold millions of copies worldwide.

Career Earnings

After early success, Cole’s career slowed in the early 1980s amid personal struggles. However, she made a strong comeback with the album “Everlasting” in 1987 and later dominated charts again in the 1990s with jazz and pop releases. Over her lifetime, she won multiple Grammy Awards and remained a respected performer.

Financial Problems

Despite her success, Cole faced financial difficulties. In 1997, she filed for bankruptcy, citing excessive spending and debts owed to her father’s estate related to their duet recordings.

The estate of Nat King Cole, originally valued at $3.5 million in 1965, had already been significantly reduced due to taxes and poor planning, adding to the financial complexities she faced.

Personal Life

Cole battled drug addiction in the 1980s, which impacted both her career and finances. She later sought treatment and rebuilt her career successfully.

In her later years, she suffered from serious health issues, including hepatitis C, which led to kidney failure. She died on December 31, 2015, at the age of 65 from congestive heart failure.

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