Citing Prince's Death, Chaka Khan Goes to Rehab

Says she's addicted to same drug that killed the icon
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jul 10, 2016 12:18 PM CDT
Citing Prince's Death, Chaka Khan Goes to Rehab
In this 2014 file photo, Chaka Khan performs at the 13th annual "A Great Night in Harlem" gala concert in New York. Chaka Khan and her sister have both entered a drug rehabilitation program to battle their addiction to prescription drugs.   (Mark Von Holden)

Chaka Khan and her sister have both entered a drug rehabilitation program to battle their addictions to prescription drugs, and Kahn says the death of her good friend Prince helped hasten her decision to get help. In a statement released to the AP on Sunday, the 63-year-old Grammy-winning singer said she has been battling an addiction to the same medication that led to Prince's death. Prince was found dead at his Minnesota home April 21. An autopsy found he died of an overdose of fentanyl, a powerful opioid painkiller. "Unfortunately, I will miss concert appearances over the summer," she said. "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."

Khan has entered an intensive rehabilitation and aftercare program with sister, Yvonne Stevens, also known as Taka Boom. Khan said the pair "agreed we would take this journey together and support each other through the recovery." "The tragic death of Prince has had us both rethinking and reevaluating 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." Khan covered Prince's song "I Feel For You," which became one of her biggest hits. The two were longtime friends. (More Chaka Khan stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X