Natalie Cole Loses Sister to Cancer While Undergoing Transplant Surgery2009-05-22

While Natalie Cole was receiving a new kidney, her sister Carol passed away.

ET has learned that Carol was diagnosed with lung cancer only last week. While Natalie was by Carol's side in her dying moments, Natalie received the call that a kidney was available for her.

Unfortunately, Carol passed away only hours later while Natalie was receiving the kidney.

Natalie underwent kidney transplant surgery on Tuesday at a Los Angeles-area hospital and is resting comfortably. Her kidney came to her from a deceased donor through the One Legacy transplant agency.

Natalie had been undergoing dialysis treatment while on her world tour to support her album Still Unforgettable. She has been advised by her doctors to postpone summer tour dates while she recovers.

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