Reaction to the death of Grammy-winning singer Natalie Cole

Reaction to the passing of Grammy-winning singer Natalie Cole, who died in Los Angeles on Thursday at age 65:

"I am sorry to hear about Natalie Cole's passing. I had to hold back the tears. I know how hard she fought. She fought for so long. She was one of the greatest singers of our time. She represented the Cole legend of excellence and class quite well." --Aretha Franklin.

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"Natalie was an exceptional jazz singer and it was an honor to have recorded and performed with her on several occasions. She was a lovely and generous person who will be greatly missed. --Tony Bennett.

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"More like family than friend was Natalie. My heart aches. My sincere condolences to her family and may she now rest in peace." --Dionne Warwick.

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"We are very saddened to learn of the passing of one of music's most celebrated and iconic women ... Natalie followed her legendary father into the music business with magnificent hits like "Inseparable," ''This Will Be" and "Unforgettable," achieving multiplatinum, worldwide success in her own right. We've lost a wonderful, highly cherished artist." --Neil Portnow, president/CEO of The Recording Academy.

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"In college, I named my bass guitar Natalie! As a young stand up comic I opened for Natalie Cole. She was all that, in all ways! (RIP )." --Arsenio Hall.

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"#NatalieCole, sister beloved & of substance and sound. May her soul rest in peace. #Inseperable." --Rev. Jesse Jackson.

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"I am saddened by the news of the passing of my friend Natalie Cole. Lovely song bird (and great actress too) - she is now singing in heaven." --Marlee Matlin.

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— "Peace be still, Natalie Cole, a gracious songbird." --Pam Grier.