Update: Natalie Cole Hospitalized

Copyright 2008 Katy Winn / Getty Images
"The Insider" has exclusively learned that Natalie Cole has been hospitalized in New York. A close family source tells tells us, "she's had a setback and has gone into the hospital."

Our source adds: "The side effects of [Natalie's] treatment and her extensive promotional schedule in support of her just-released new album, Still Unforgettable, led to the Grammy winner's hospitalization."

Just last week, Natalie came to the "The Insider" set to talk about her battle with hepatitis C, saying, "This is a virus that was dormant in my body for 25 years. I had no symptoms, was feeling great, working out like a crazy person -- and this just keeled me over, like a feather."

At the time of our interview, she was still being treated for the disease.

"What I have is treated with chemo ... every week," she says, adding that she experiences the traditional side effects from the treatment, such as nausea and her hair falling out.

In the days ahead, Natalie will be able to return home to begin her "month-long bed rest," the singer's reps tell People magazine.

Natalie checked into the NYC hospital last Friday, says Us magazine.

"She was doing press in New York last week when she got really sick due to chemotherapy she was undergoing to treat her hepatitis," the mag’s source says. "She got anemia from the treatment."

Published 9/19/08 by the Insider

Comments (17)

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  • Remember Natalie; you've already "made it"! Whatever is there to accomplish now is only a part of the "Upward Pull of the Divine"; I;ve been imitating your Dad since childhood. Some think it's his voice when they hear it without seeig me. I've been following you since you've been 4 years old; your dad, all my life. Keep on keeping on.
    Anonymous 2/8/10 Reply
  • NATALIE U R IN MY PRAYERS.. I PRAY THAT THE LORD WORK THRU UR DOCTOR'S 2 give u a victorious healing b bless
    Anonymous 10/11/09 Reply
  • To My Sister


    My Prayers or with you at your time of need,
    We Love you Natalie Cole. My GOD Belss you from the Birdsong family
    Lancaster,cali
    Anonymous 1/20/09 Reply
  • I love your music and you and i wont you to know that God is able to do any thing i pray that the lord give you a speedy recovery God bless you
    Anonymous 1/8/09 Reply
  • I am praying for you that the bless you and bring you back in a good build of health
    Anonymous 1/8/09 Reply
  • Natalie,
    My prayers for you and yours. I was just listening to "Our Love" on my ipod and I thought of you. Love, Peace and Blessings my beautiful Sister. God can heal anything.
    Anonymous 10/29/08 Reply
  • Natalie,
    I to have Hep C. (25yrs+) undiagnosed. I attempted the Alpha-feto/Ribaviron treatment, my liver did not respond, I was already at the Cirrhosis stage. I am currently on the wait list 4 a liver transplant at Stanford.
    I was diagnosed w/ liver cancer last year, but my GREAT PHYSICIAN
    (Jahova Rapha) "My healer" heard our prayers and healed me of the cancer. I still have cirrhosis/Hep C. buth The Lord has great plans for us: Jeremiah: 29:11
    God Bless.. Godsgirl1962
    Anonymous 10/27/08 Reply
    • Hello Natalie,
      It's me, Godsgirl1962. I just wanted to tell you to keep the faith alive, just as HE is alive (in us)! You are more than a Conquerer. He doesn't give us more than we can handle, Just know that this didn't come from him, but he does give us the Amazing Grace to go through these "storms" in life and into the "VICTORY"! Praise God for his tender mercies, which are new each day!
      Your sister in-Christ... ~Lupe ( 46 yrs, single mom) San Jose, Cali
      Anonymous 10/28/08
  • God Bless Natalie and keep her in his care, I love Natalie and it hurts my heart to know that she has to go through the inconvenience of being unwell. But Hang in there Natalie You can put up and out of this slight setback. Keep calling God, just say his name all day and night, say Jesus, Jesus or and God the hold day. perhaps you will notice the extra energy and strength you will receive. I love your work Natalie. I an praying for you, anything is possible through GOd. I believe in miracle, did you sing that song?
    Tommal
    Anonymous 10/1/08 Reply
  • I love everything about you. Your music, style, your presents, and most of all your straight. You have always present yourself elagantly, Soft, and beautiful.. listening to today music the femal artis old school and new school do not bring it right. Sex do not sale all the time. And if it did is that what a woman look foward to... There is only one Natalie Cole. You may hear of a Aretha Franklin, Patte LaBell, and maybe a Tina Tuner sound alike, I have never heard of a Natalie Cole sound alike. No one do it like you.They do not have those three things taht a woman need., elagants,softness,and beauty that flows. these are felling that women need to fell and you bring it out no matter what you sing. Love you and my blessing is always with you fell better soon.
    Christina (Florida)
    Anonymous 9/24/08 Reply
  • Natalie, I'm your age I hope and pray that all is well. Keep God first and keep the faith. Hope to see someday. One of your many fans.
    Anonymous 9/20/08 Reply
  • yikes!
    Anonymous 9/20/08 Reply
  • best wishes!
    Anonymous 9/20/08 Reply
  • It is unfortunate, but not unexpected that she would incur such an illness which is probably attributed to her past drug use. Hep C has no cure.

    I hope she can overcome. She is a wonderful singer.
    Anonymous 9/20/08 Reply
  • to ms cole just writing to let you know your fans love you deeply and we all wish you a speedy recovery. god bless you.
    chevjuls 9/19/08 Reply
  • Natalie looking a little mannish in this photo. Gary Coleman should be so butch.
    DennisW2 9/19/08 Reply
    • She's very sick - show some compassion!
      Anonymous 10/22/08