Nat King Cole's Widow, Maria Cole, Dies In Boca Raton

BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — Maria Cole, the widow of jazz great Nat King Cole, has died of cancer at a hospice in Boca Raton. She was 89 years old.

This statement was posted by Natalie Cole, their daughter, a short time ago:

“I just want to thank everyone for their prayers & loving support. Mum has passed, gone to Glory, July 10th 2012. She will be next to Dad at Forest Lawn.” Maria Cole lost her battle with Cancer on Tuesday at Boca Raton, FL surrounded by family. She was 89 years old.

If you are unfamiliar with Maria Cole, here is the brief look at her life, courtesy wikipedia:

Maria Hawkins Cole (also known as Ellington following her first marriage )August 1, 1922 – July 10, 2012 was the widow of singer Nat King Cole and mother of singer Natalie Cole. She was also a jazz singer who worked most notably with Count Basie and Duke Ellington. She met Nat King Cole while they were both singing at the Zanzibar club.

Maria Hawkins Ellington was born in Boston and was the niece of Charlotte Hawkins Brown. Her father, Mingo Hawkins, was a letter carrier. Her mother, Carol, died while giving birth to her sister.