Grammy-winner Chaka Khan announced she is entering a drug rehabilitation program to battle an addiction to prescription medication, specifically fentanyl. She will be joined by her sister Yvonne Stevens who is also addicted to the drug that claimed the life of good friend Prince.
The duo told The Associated Press that his death “helped hasten her decision to get help.”
“Unfortunately, I will miss concert appearances over the summer,” she said in a statement. “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.”
Prince died from an overdose to the powerful opioid painkiller on April 21, which he took for a long period of time for pain in his hips from years of dancing on stage. It has been reported by multiple outlets that he did not get double hip replacement due to his strong beliefs in the Jehovah Witness faith which prohibits blood transfusions.
“The tragic death of Prince has had us both rethinking and reevaluating our lives and priorities,” Khan added. “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.”
