Natalie Cole's memorial service set for today

Natalie Cole's funeral will take place today (11.01.16). The 65-year-old singer - who is the daughter of Nat King Cole and Maria Cole - tragically passed away from heart failure over the festive season at a Los Angeles hospital and her memorial service will be held at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ. Chaka Khan is expected to sing at the funeral before Natalie is buried next to her parents, sister and brother at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. In a statement, Natalie's family previously explained the reasons for her passing, saying she suffered from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension after undergoing a kidney transplant in 2009. This, in turn, led to the heart failure that caused Natalie's death. The statement read: "[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." Natalie had to have the kidney transplant after battling hepatitis and drug problems earlier in her life. Her death was announced in a statement from her siblings and son Robert Yancy. They said: "It is with heavy hearts that we bring to you all the news of our Mother and sister's passing. Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived ... with dignity, strength and honour. Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever. (sic)"

More from Entertainment