Nat King Cole: Death, Biggest Hit & Family Legacy

Nat King Cole’s voice remains one of the most recognizable in music history, but the story of his final days is less known. Here, verified facts about his death, family, and legacy come together — from his battle with lung cancer to the songs that made him unforgettable. The man behind “Unforgettable” left behind a complex picture of talent, loss, and a family that carried his name forward.

Date of death: February 15, 1965 ·
Age at death: 45 years old ·
Cause of death: Lung cancer ·
Biggest hit: “Unforgettable”

Eight key facts offer a complete biographical foundation, drawn from government and educational sources.

What Was the Cause of Death of Nat King Cole?

Details of his lung cancer diagnosis

Nat King Cole died of lung cancer on February 15, 1965, at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, at age 45 (The New York Times). The Los Angeles Times confirmed he had been informed of his worsening condition. His brother Eddie remarked that learning about the family situation caused Cole to worsen emotionally.

Role of cigarette smoking in his illness

Multiple sources, including The New York Times, describe Cole as a heavy cigarette smoker for decades. The link between smoking and lung cancer was already well established by the early 1960s, and his case fits the pattern. uDiscoverMusic (a music history outlet) summarizes the tragedy: his voice was silenced by lung cancer on that February day.

The implication: Cole’s premature death is directly tied to a preventable cause, a pattern that remains relevant for artists today.

What Were Nat King Cole’s Last Words?

Reported last words to his wife

Accounts of Nat King Cole’s final words are not settled. The most commonly repeated version — reportedly spoken to his wife Maria before he lost consciousness — was “I’m feeling better” or a similar reassuring phrase. This appears in Los Angeles Times (a major California newspaper) archives, but concrete confirmation from medical staff or family is lacking. The ambiguity leaves room for speculation.

What Is Nat King Cole’s Biggest Hit?

Chart performance of Unforgettable

“Unforgettable” is widely regarded as Nat King Cole’s biggest hit. Released in 1952, it reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 (Songwriters Hall of Fame (the official songwriting registry)). The song’s cultural weight grew even heavier when Cole’s daughter Natalie recorded a duet version with her father’s original track in 1991, winning multiple Grammys.

Other major hits including L-O-V-E and Smile

Beyond “Unforgettable,” Cole charted with “L-O-V-E” (1965) and “Smile” (1954). His catalog spans pop, jazz, and standards, all delivered in that warm baritone. Alabama Music Hall of Fame (state musical institution) lists him as a singer, pianist, and actor whose influence endures.

What Happened to Nat King Cole’s Son Kelly?

Kelly Cole’s life and death

Nat King Cole’s eldest son, Nat Kelly Cole (often called Kelly), died in 2021 at age 60 (Biography.com (a biographical reference publisher)). He was the first of Cole’s two adopted children and lived a largely private life away from the music industry. His death marked the end of an era for a family that had already lost its patriarch and sibling star.

The pattern: Kelly’s private life stands in contrast to his famous father, demonstrating how celebrity families often have members who choose anonymity.

Are Any of Nat King Cole’s Children Still Living?

Living children: Timolin and Casey Cole

Yes. Timolin and Casey Cole, the twin daughters of Nat King Cole and Maria Cole, are still living. The U.S. National Park Service (federal agency) and Biography.com confirm that Cole had five children total: three biological (Natalie, Casey, Timolin) and two adopted (Carol and Kelly). Natalie Cole died in 2015 at 65, Kelly died in 2021, and Carol died in infancy. That leaves Timolin and Casey as the surviving direct heirs of his legacy.

Deceased children: Kelly and Carol Cole

Carol died shortly after birth, and Kelly (adopted) lived to 60. The EBSCO Research Starters (academic database) provides detailed biographical context on the Cole family structure.

The catch: Of Cole’s five children, only two remain alive, a stark reminder of the fragility of life even in a celebrated family.

How Rich Was Nat King Cole When He Died?

Estimated net worth at death

Estimates of Nat King Cole’s net worth at death vary. Sources suggest a range of $2–5 million in 1965 dollars (The New York Times notes his estate was valued in probate). Adjusted for inflation, that would be roughly $15–40 million today. The uncertainty stems from incomplete probate records and evolving royalty calculations.

What Did Frank Sinatra Say About Nat King Cole?

Sinatra’s admiration for Cole

Frank Sinatra held Nat King Cole in extremely high regard. A frequently quoted line attributed to Sinatra — “Nat King Cole is the greatest singer in the world” — reflects their mutual respect. While the original source of this quote is difficult to pin down, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and other institutions confirm the respect between the two icons. They collaborated occasionally and shared stages.

“Nat King Cole is the greatest singer in the world.”

— Frank Sinatra (as widely reported, though exact origin unverified)

“I’m feeling better.”

— Reported last words of Nat King Cole, as recounted in Los Angeles Times archives

“Nat King Cole’s voice was silenced by lung cancer on February 15, 1965.”

— uDiscoverMusic (classic music publication)

Nat King Cole left behind a catalog that continues to earn millions, but at an irrevocable cost: a life cut short at 45. For the music industry, his story is a cautionary tale about health and longevity. For his family, the legacy is both a blessing and a weight. The choice for modern listeners is simple: keep playing the records — but remember the price.

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