"When we did Unforgettable, it was so great because we weren’t doing it for the money or to sell CDs. We were doing it for a great mutual love of that kind of music," Foster says about Cole’s tribute album to her father, legendary jazz singer Nat King Cole. “We had no clue it would strike a chord with anybody. We certainly didn’t think it would get on pop radio. It was a monster hit."
Foster, who knew her for more than 25 years, says she was a professional who believed the show must always go on. The duo performed together for the last time in the late summer for a charity concert in the Hamptons.
"It was real tough for her to get started, but when she kicked in, she was 100 percent," he tells People. "Her voice was always silk. Even in the last few months when she lost a bit of power, her voice was still silky."
He is filled with "profound sadness" at the loss of his friend, who he trusted "with secrets I wouldn’t tell anyone else." "The world has lost a great musical force of nature," he adds.
"Somewhere up in Heaven, there’s got to be an exclusive club," he says, "where Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee and Nat King Cole are welcoming Natalie right now with open arms."
Our thoughts and prayers are with Natalie Col'e loved ones during this difficult time.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
