Rhythm and blues singer Natalie Cole, daughter of R and B legend Nat “King” Cole, underwent a kidney transplant operation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The 59-year-old entertainer, who has Hepatitis C, received the kidney came from a deceased organ donor, her spokeswoman said.

Cole has been receiving kidney dialysis three times a week since September, even as she toured the world to promote her new album, Still Unforgettable.

In a statement issued on her behalf, fans were told Cole will recuperate for the next three to four months, forcing her to postpone an upcoming tour.

Last July Cole revealed she had been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, saying she probably contracted the liver disease from drug use more than 30 years ago.

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infectious disease that can cause inflammation of the liver and, in extreme cases, liver cancer. It is ordinarily contracted through transfusions of unscreened blood or by injecting or inhaling drugs.

Cole has won nine Grammys in a 30-year career that has included albums such as Everlasting and Unforgettable … With Love, which featured her singing a duet with her late father through the use of digital technology.

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