Chaka Khan has revealed that she’s entered an intensive rehabilitation program to battle her addiction to fentanyl, the same prescription opioid painkiller that led to the death of Prince. According to a statement the Grammy-winning funk icon released to the Associated Press, it was in fact Prince’s passing that motivated her and her sister, Yvonne “Taka Boom” Stevens, to seek help.
“The tragic death of Prince has had us both rethinking and reevaluating our lives and priorities,” Khan said. “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 and Stevens joined the rehabilitation and aftercare program together to “support each other through the recovery.” Khan’s rep noted that the singer is expected to continue recording a new album later this month, with plans to return to the road by August 1st.
“Unfortunately, I will miss concert appearances over the summer,” Khan added. “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 and Khan were close friends for many years, with the latter even covering the former’s “I Feel For You”. Revisit that song below.
