Chaka Khan and her sister have both entered rehab to battle their addictions to prescription drugs, and the star says the death of her good friend Prince helped hasten her decision to get help.
The 63-year-old Grammy-winning singer said in a statement to the Associated Press that she has been battling an addiction to the same medication that led to Prince’s death.
Prince was found dead at his Minnesota home on April 21. An autopsy found he died of an overdose of fentanyl, a powerful opioid painkiller.
Chaka said: “Unfortunately, I will miss concert appearances over the summer.
“However, it’s vital that I put my health and well-being first. I know that I am disappointing some of my fans, but I also know they would want me to recover and be well and healthy.”
Chaka Khan and Prince (Chris Carlson/AP/PA)
The singer has entered an intensive rehabilitation and aftercare programme with sister, Yvonne Stevens, also known as Taka Boom.
Chaka said the pair “agreed we would take this journey together and support each other through the recovery”.
She said: “The tragic death of Prince has had us both rethinking and re-evaluating our lives and priorities. We knew it was time to take action to save our lives. My sister and I would like to thank everyone for their support, love and prayers.”
The star covered Prince’s song I Feel For You, which became one of her biggest hits.
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