For Keyshia Cole, the loss of her mother, Frankie Lons, on July 18, 2021 — her 61st birthday — remains a wound that time has yet to heal. Frankie tragically passed away from a drug overdose, leaving Keyshia grappling with grief that still feels raw and overwhelming. In the immediate aftermath, the singer admitted the depth of her pain, saying,
“This is so hard man. Can’t really even find the words… You can never prepare for something like this… Ever!!!”
Her heartbreak was made all the more poignant by the public nature of her mourning. Through heartfelt Instagram tributes and emotional livestreams, Keyshia shared glimpses of her mother’s warmth, humor, and the indelible mark she left on her life. Fans could see the anguish in her eyes as she recounted memories, revealing how even in ordinary moments, she finds herself quoting her mom’s phrases — a bittersweet echo of the woman she lost.
The singer’s journey through grief has been intensely personal. In interviews and through her self-portraying biopic, Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story, she revealed that the film offered a kind of closure she never had in real time. Acting out moments of her life allowed her to say goodbye to Frankie in ways she couldn’t before — a painful yet healing experience.
Cole’s story is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring pain left by losing a parent too soon. While the public sees her as a strong, successful artist, behind the music is a daughter still coming to terms with a loss that no words can ever fully capture. Fans have resonated deeply with her openness, understanding that grief, even after time passes, never truly fades.
In remembering Frankie Lons, Keyshia not only honors her mother’s life but also highlights the profound bond between a mother and a daughter — one that remains alive in memories, shared laughter, and even the smallest phrases repeated in daily life. It is a story of love, loss, and the painstaking journey of healing that touches the heart of anyone who has faced the death of a loved one.
