The Unforgettable Five: A Complete Guide To Natalie Cole's Siblings And Their Enduring Legacy

The legendary singer Natalie Cole, daughter of the incomparable Nat King Cole, was one of five children raised in a household steeped in music, fame, and a unique blend of biological and adopted family ties. This dynamic group of siblings—Carole "Cookie," Nat "Kelly," and the twins Timolin and Casey—shared a bond that navigated the intense pressures of Hollywood royalty, personal tragedy, and the enduring shadow of their father’s legacy. As of December 10, 2025, the story of the Cole siblings continues to unfold, most notably through the philanthropic work of the surviving twins, who are actively ensuring the family name remains synonymous with the arts. The complexities of the Cole family tree, shaped by adoption and personal loss, resulted in a powerful support system for Natalie throughout her life and career. While Natalie Cole herself passed away in 2015, the work and lives of her siblings offer a poignant look into the family’s commitment to music education and honoring the "Unforgettable" heritage of Nat King Cole.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Natalie Cole's Siblings

Natalie Maria Cole (February 6, 1950 – December 31, 2015) was the biological daughter of Nat King Cole and his second wife, Maria Hawkins Ellington. She grew up with four siblings, two adopted and two biological, creating a close-knit group of five children.

• Carole "Cookie" Cole (Adopted Sister/Cousin):
  • Full Name: Carole Lane Cole
  • Born: October 17, 1944
  • Died: May 19, 2009 (Aged 64)
  • Cause of Death: Lung Cancer
  • Relationship to Natalie: Adopted older sister; biologically, she was Natalie’s cousin, the daughter of Maria Cole’s younger sister. She was adopted by Nat King Cole and Maria Cole after being orphaned at age four.
  • Career: Actress and music producer, notably serving as the CEO of King Cole Productions.
• Nat "Kelly" Cole (Adopted Brother):
  • Full Name: Nat Kelly Cole
  • Born: February 8, 1959
  • Died: 1995 (Aged 36)
  • Cause of Death: AIDS
  • Relationship to Natalie: Adopted younger brother.
  • Career: American actor.
• Timolin Cole-Augustus (Younger Twin Sister):
  • Full Name: Timolin Cole-Augustus
  • Born: 1961
  • Relationship to Natalie: Biological younger twin sister.
  • Current Status: Co-founder of the non-profit organization The Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc.
• Casey Cole-Ray (Younger Twin Sister):
  • Full Name: Casey Cole-Ray
  • Born: 1961
  • Relationship to Natalie: Biological younger twin sister.
  • Current Status: Co-founder of the non-profit organization The Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc.

The Tragic and Enduring Bonds of the Older Cole Siblings

The eldest of the five children was Carole "Cookie" Cole, whose life was marked by both professional success and personal tragedy. She was a central figure in the Cole family dynamic, being the daughter of Maria Cole’s sister, but raised as an adopted daughter by Nat King Cole and Maria after her own mother passed away. This unique bond meant she was both Natalie's cousin and her adopted older sister, sharing a deep, protective relationship with the future singing star. Carole was a successful professional in the entertainment world, working as an actress and a music producer.

Carole’s professional life included serving as the CEO of King Cole Productions, an entity dedicated to managing and preserving the Nat King Cole legacy. Her personal life was tragically cut short in 2009 when she succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 64. Her death came at a particularly difficult time for Natalie Cole, who was undergoing a kidney transplant at the time. Carole’s encouragement and support during Natalie’s own battle with Hepatitis C and subsequent kidney failure highlighted the deep, familial support system that existed between the siblings.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The family suffered another profound loss with the passing of Nat "Kelly" Cole in 1995. Nat Kelly Cole was adopted by Nat King Cole and Maria in 1959, and he pursued a career as an actor. His life was tragically cut short at the age of 36 when he died of complications from AIDS. Nat Kelly's death had a lasting impact on the entire family, particularly Natalie. Her deep love for her brother inspired her to become a generous supporter of various HIV/AIDS causes throughout her life. The early deaths of both her father, Nat King Cole, and her brother, Nat Kelly Cole, due to illness deeply affected Natalie and informed her own public battles with drug addiction and health issues later in life.

The passing of both Carole and Nat Kelly meant that when Natalie Cole herself died in 2015, only her two younger twin sisters, Timolin and Casey, remained to carry the torch of the family name. The siblings faced a disproportionate amount of loss, with Nat King Cole dying at 45, Nat Kelly Cole at 36, and Natalie Cole at 65.

Timolin and Casey Cole: The Unforgettable Twins and Their Philanthropic Mission

The youngest members of the Cole family, and the only surviving siblings of Natalie Cole, are the twin sisters Timolin Cole-Augustus and Casey Cole-Ray, born in 1961. Unlike their older sister Natalie, who inherited the vocal talent and became a Grammy-winning recording artist, the twins have dedicated their lives to preserving their father’s legacy through philanthropy and music education.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

The sisters are the co-founders of The Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc., a non-profit organization established in 2008. Their mission is deeply rooted in the family’s profound connection to the arts: to provide access to quality music education for children with the greatest need and fewest resources. This work is a direct and powerful tribute to their father, who was an accomplished jazz pianist and singer, and their mother, Maria Cole, who was also a singer.

The Nat King Cole Generation Hope works tirelessly to cultivate opportunities and funding for music programs in schools and communities. They achieve this by funding programs that provide instruments, instruction, and technology to young, aspiring musicians who would otherwise lack the financial means to pursue music. Their efforts are particularly crucial in light of significant budget cuts to arts programs across the country.

Recent Activities and Enduring Legacy in 2025

The work of Timolin Cole-Augustus and Casey Cole-Ray is fresh and ongoing, ensuring the Cole family legacy remains vibrant and relevant in the current cultural landscape. Their non-profit continues to host high-profile fundraising events and partner with other charitable organizations to expand their reach. For instance, the organization was highlighted in early 2025 for its ongoing efforts, including a notable event in Palm Beach, Florida, demonstrating their continuous commitment to their cause. Their dedication over the past decade and a half has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless children, fulfilling a promise to honor Nat King Cole’s memory not just through song, but through educational opportunity.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Following Natalie Cole's death, the twins were instrumental in managing the public farewell and ensuring her memory was honored. They released a joint statement alongside Natalie’s only child, Robert Yancey, expressing their grief but also their gratitude for the time they shared, including a final Christmas together. The sisters have also publicly commented on the way their sister was honored at major industry events like the Grammy Awards, indicating their continued involvement in protecting and celebrating Natalie's artistic contributions.

The story of Natalie Cole’s siblings is a multi-layered narrative of talent, loss, and resilience. From the acting and producing work of Carole "Cookie" Cole and Nat "Kelly" Cole to the ongoing, impactful philanthropy of the twins, Timolin and Casey, the five children of Nat King Cole and Maria Cole have collectively ensured that the family’s name carries a legacy that is truly unforgettable.