What Happened to Keyshia Cole Mother? Truth Revealed
by Aishwarya R | Updated Jun 25, 2023
Who is Keyshia Cole?
Keyshia Cole is a powerhouse of American R&B and soul, embodies passion and talent like no other. Hailing from Oakland, California, she embarked on a remarkable journey that would leave an indelible mark on the music industry. Her extraordinary career ignited as she lent her captivating voice as a backing vocalist for none other than the legendary MC Hammer. This was only the beginning of a meteoric rise that would captivate hearts and souls around the world.
Signing with A&M Records, Keyshia Cole unleashed her debut studio album, "The Way It Is," upon the world in 2005. Its impact was nothing short of seismic. The album's magnetic allure resonated deeply with listeners, and its unrivaled success was swiftly acknowledged by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), certifying it as platinum. Notably, it garnered prestigious nominations at the revered 2006 Soul Train Music Awards, a testament to Keyshia's extraordinary talent.
But her captivating voice wasn't the only thing that captured the attention of fans worldwide. Keyshia Cole's magnetic persona and authenticity inspired a legion of devoted followers. Her life became an open book, chronicled through the lens of the BET reality television series, "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is," which unfolded from 2006 to 2008. The show's undeniable allure transformed it into one of the most-watched programs in the history of the network, captivating hearts with its raw honesty and genuine emotions.
Keyshia Cole's passion knows no bounds. Her voice reverberates with the depth of her experiences, and her lyrics bear testament to a life lived with unwavering resilience. With each note she delivers, she invites us into her world, a world colored by love, heartbreak, and the triumph of the human spirit. She stands as an inspiration, a beacon of strength for those who have experienced the highs and lows of life. Keyshia Cole's music transcends boundaries, touching the very core of our souls, igniting emotions that can only be described as pure passion.
In a world where authenticity can be a rare gem, Keyshia Cole shines brightly as an artist unafraid to bare her soul and share her truth. Her voice is a vessel for emotions, evoking a spectrum of feelings that resonate deeply within us all. With every powerful note, Keyshia Cole continues to redefine the boundaries of R&B and soul, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who have the privilege of experiencing her artistry. She stands tall, a symbol of passion, talent, and unwavering determination—a true luminary in the realm of music.
What Happened to Keyshia Cole Mother?
Keyshia Cole's mother, Frankie Lons, passed away in July 2021. The Alameda County Coroner's Office determined that Lons, aged 61, died from an accidental overdose of multiple drugs. Frankie had been battling addiction for several decades and had sought treatment by checking into a rehab facility in February 2020.
According to Frankie's brother Sam, she overdosed at her home in Oakland while celebrating her birthday. Frankie Lons was well-known to the public through her appearances on Keyshia Cole's BET reality show, "Keyshia Cole: My New Life," which aired in 2006. Throughout the show, Keyshia was open about her mother's struggles with addiction, leading to numerous heartfelt conversations between the two.
BET, the network that aired the reality shows featuring Frankie Lons, released a statement expressing their sorrow upon hearing of her passing. They acknowledged that viewers first became acquainted with Frankie in "Keyshia Cole: All In" as Keyshia Cole's birth mother and through other unscripted projects like "Keyshia Cole: My New Life" and "Frankie & Neffe."
BET highlighted how viewers witnessed Frankie's personal battles with addiction and her attempts to rebuild her relationship with her daughters. They described Frankie as a resilient woman, mother, and friend, acknowledging her significant contributions and expressing that she will be missed by many. BET offered their thoughts and prayers to Keyshia, Neffe, and the entire family during this challenging time.
Who was Keyshia Cole Mother?
Frankie, Keyshia's birth mother, battled with addiction for decades. Her struggles were not hidden but rather laid bare for the world to witness. In 2006, Frankie made appearances in the renowned reality TV show "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is," and later had her own spin-off series titled "Frankie & Neffe," featuring Keyshia's older sister, Neffeteria Pugh. These shows provided a raw and intimate portrayal of the challenges and triumphs faced by Keyshia's family.
Through the lens of the BET reality TV show "Keyshia Cole: My New Life," viewers had the privilege of witnessing heartfelt moments between Keyshia and her mother. Their interactions were filled with love, compassion, and a shared desire for Frankie's journey toward recovery. Keyshia's unwavering support and vigilance were evident as she closely monitored her mother's progress, encouraging her to stay on a path of sobriety. She celebrated her mother's victories and documented their special moments together, sharing glimpses of their bond with the world.
Aside from Keyshia and Neffe, Frankie had another daughter named Elite Noel, adding another layer to their complex family dynamics. In the midst of fame and success, Keyshia Cole remained resolute in her dedication to her family. She used her platform to shed light on the challenges of addiction, raising awareness and inspiring others to face their own struggles with courage and determination. Through it all, Keyshia's love for her mother shone brightly, serving as a beacon of hope amidst the storms of life.
Keyshia Cole Early Life
The story of Keyshia Myeshia Johnson is one of resilience, talent, and the pursuit of dreams. Born on October 15, 1981, in the vibrant city of Oakland, California, she came into the world as a precious gift to Francine "Frankie" Lons (1960-2021) and boxing trainer Virgil Hunter. Keyshia is a remarkable blend of African-American and Mexican heritage, which enriches her unique identity.
Her early years were marked by the challenges her biological mother faced, as she battled addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine. At the tender age of two, Keyshia found solace in the arms of Leon and Yvonne Cole, close family friends who lovingly adopted her and bestowed upon her their own family name. With this new beginning, Keyshia Cole emerged, ready to embrace life's possibilities.
Music had an undeniable pull on Keyshia from a young age. At just 12 years old, she stepped into the mesmerizing world of the music industry alongside her brother Sean, known by the moniker Nutt-So. It was during this time that fate intervened, bringing her into the orbit of the iconic MC Hammer. Keyshia crossed paths with Hammer, and their collaboration left an indelible mark on her journey, opening doors to new opportunities.
In a twist of destiny, Keyshia formed a deep connection with the legendary Tupac Shakur. Tupac recognized her talent and promised to support her musical aspirations. Tragically, their plans were cut short when Tupac was fatally wounded in a drive-by shooting. Despite the devastating loss, Keyshia drew strength from their friendship, carrying his memory as a driving force in her pursuit of a singing career.
The East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC) became a pivotal space for Keyshia during her teenage years. At the age of 16, she found solace and inspiration within this local youth organization, fueling her determination to carve her own path in the music industry.
At 18, Keyshia made a bold move, venturing to Los Angeles in pursuit of her dreams. The City of Angels became a backdrop for her artistic journey, as she collaborated with fellow Bay Area artists, including the talented D'Wayne Wiggins of Tony Toni Tone and Messy Marv. Their creative synergy nurtured Keyshia's growth, refining her artistry and shaping her unique sound.
In 2002, fate smiled upon Keyshia as she caught the attention of A&R Ron Fair from A&M Records. Recognizing her immense talent, he signed her to the label and took on the role of mentor. Fuelled by his belief in her abilities, Keyshia embarked on a transformative musical journey, laying the foundation for the incredible success that awaited her.
The story of Keyshia Myeshia Johnson is a testament to the power of resilience, the pursuit of dreams, and the undeniable talent that resonates within her. With each chapter, she continues to captivate audiences around the world, leaving an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Keyshia Cole Relationships
Daniel Gibson: The NBA Player
Keyshia and Daniel began their relationship in 2009 and got engaged in 2010. The following year, they exchanged vows in a beautiful Hawaiian wedding ceremony. In 2010, their joy multiplied as they welcomed their son, Daniel Hiram Gibson Jr. Their relationship was captured on the reality TV series Keyshia & Daniel: Family First, which aired in 2012. However, their marriage encountered difficulties, leading to a separation in 2014. Keyshia filed for divorce in 2017, citing irreconcilable differences. After navigating through years of legal proceedings, their marriage was officially dissolved in September 2020.
Niko Khale: The Independent Artist
After her separation from Daniel, Keyshia Cole embarked on a new romantic chapter with Niko Khale. The couple started dating, embracing the possibilities of a fresh relationship. In 2019, Keyshia shared the joyful news of her pregnancy, announcing that she and Niko were expecting their first child together. In August of that year, they welcomed their adorable son, Tobias Kale, into the world, filling their lives with the blessings of parenthood.
Unfortunately, Keyshia and Niko's love story encountered challenges, leading to their decision to part ways. By the autumn of 2020, their relationship had come to an end, prompting them to embark on separate paths. Keyshia's journey highlights the ups and downs of love, as she navigates through new beginnings and motherhood while staying focused on her personal growth and career.
What Happened to Keyshia Cole Mother - FAQs
Keyshia Cole's mother, Frankie Lons, passed away in July. The cause of her death was determined to be multiple drug intoxication, an accidental overdose.
Frankie Lons was 61 years old at the time of her death.
Yes, Frankie Lons had been battling addiction for many years. She had a long-standing struggle with substance abuse, including alcohol and crack cocaine.
Yes, Frankie Lons appeared in several reality TV shows alongside her daughter, Keyshia Cole. She was a regular on Keyshia Cole's BET reality show, "Keyshia Cole: My New Life," and also had her own spin-off series called "Frankie & Neffe."
Keyshia Cole and her family were deeply saddened by the loss of Frankie Lons. Keyshia had been open about her mother's struggles with addiction and had been supportive of her recovery efforts, sharing moments of love and encouragement on social media.