Vanity Dead: Prince Protege & Vanity 6 Lead Singer Tragically Dies At 57

So sad. Vanity, one of the sexiest singers in the 1980’s is dead. The frontwoman of the girl group, Vanity 6, and Prince’s protegé, has died after battling severe health issues.

Vanity, whose real name was, Denise Katrina Matthews, has died in a Fremont, CA hospital on Feb. 15, according to a new report. The 57-year old singer, who was tutored by legendary musician, Prince, 57, suffered from kidney issues for years and more recently abdominal illness. Here is what we know.

Vanity’s health issues comes as no surprise to her fans. The singer had allegedly fought an addiction to crack in the ’90s, according to TMZ. After an OD severly damaged her kidneys, she reportedly had to undergo nearly daily dialysis treatments. In 2015, she put up a GoFundMe page, revealing that she was diagnosed with sclerosis encapsulating peritonitis, an inflammation of the small intestines.

The Canadian singer was taken under Prince’s wing in the early 80’s, forming the sexy girl group, Vanity 6. The trio scored a big hit in “Nasty Girl,” but disbanded after only 3 years together in 1983.  She went on to put out two solo albums, which included hits “Pretty Mess” and “Under the Influence.” Vanity also found success in the acting world, with roles in films, Action Jackson, The Last Dragon, 52 Pick-Up. Vanity’s fellow Prince protégé, Carmen Electra, 39, honored her with a heartfelt tribute.

We can’t take much more of this. 2016 has to be the the worst year for musicians in recent memory. It’s only Feb. and we have already seen legends David Bowie and Glen Frey pass away. It seems that with every week, a new report comes out about a talented musicial who passes away too early in their life.

HollywoodLifers, join us in sending our thoughts and prayers to Vanity’s family.