Chaka Khan is back in rehab, this time to battle her addiction to the prescription pain medicine Fentanyl . The 63-year-old iconic singer had a full line up of shows scheduled for July but canceled them all, checking herself along into voluntary drug rehab. Her sister, Taka Boom, also known as Yvonne Stevens, checked her self in as well. Khan said in a written statement that the death of music legend Prince earlier this year really hit home. An autopsy found that Prince’s April 21, death was caused by an overdose of the opioid medication.
“The tragic death of Prince has had us both rethinking and reevaluating our lives and priorities. 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,” a statement the singer released through her website said in part.
Khan added “Unfortunately, I will miss concert appearances over the summer,” she said. “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.” The singer added that recovery is a journey that she and her sister agreed to take together to be support to each other as they battle addiction.
This is not Chaka Khan’s first trip to rehab, the singer previously battled addictions to cocaine and heroin as well as struggled with alcoholism.
“I have battled addiction my entire life. Life has not been easy and I am very lucky to have made it this far,” Khan said in 2013 after a stint in rehab.
Nearly 400 people had reserved seats for Chaka Khan’s July 11th show at the California State Fair. A rep for the fair has said they should expect a refund in about a week. Jody Watley and Shalamar Reloaded will take Khan’s place at the State Fair.
Wishing Ms. Khan a fruitful experience in rehab.
