Prince Protg Vanity Has Died at Age 57 - Closer Weekly

Vanity, the lead singer of 1980s girl group Vanity 6 and Prince‘s former protégé, has sadly died. She was 57-years-old.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Vanity — formerly Denise Katrina Matthews — passed away in a California hospital on Monday, Feb. 15 from kidney failure caused by years of cocaine abuse.

Vanity in September 1991.

The late star began her showbiz career in 1978 as a teen model and actress. After being discovered by Prince, 57, she became the lead singer of the female trio Vanity 6. The group — known for R&B/funk songs “Natsy Girl” and “Drive Me Wild” — disbanded after just two years in 1983. Vanity ended her acting and singing career in the mid 1990s to instead focus on evangelism.

🙏🏿Today my friend & Sister Denise Katrina Matthews p/k/a #Vanity passed away. She absolutely loved GOD unto salvation. Rest in his Glory 🙏🏿

— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) February 16, 2016

Following her passing, MC Hammer took to Twitter to mourn the loss of his dear friend. “Today my friend and sister Denise Katrina Matthews [aka] #Vanity passed away. She absolutely loved God unto salvation. Rest in his Glory,” he wrote.

Our thoughts are with Vanity’s friends and family during this difficult time.

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