Patti LaBelle Missed Fulfilling Dying Sister Jackie's Last Request before She Passed in 1989

Patti LaBelle may have amassed so much fame in Hollywood, but she had also been through her fair share of challenges. Look inside the tragic life of the talented singer.

American singer and actress Patti LaBelle appears to have a career that has earned her the title of a music legend. She is also often referred to as the "Queen of Soul."

However, early in her career, LaBelle was faced with several tragic occurrences, including the death of several family members. She lost her sisters, Vivian and Barbara, to cancer within two years. After their deaths, LaBelle was faced with more tragedy when her mom died from diabetes.

Things got worse for the singer when she lost her father and youngest sister, Jackie, to emphysema and lung cancer, respectively, in 1989. LaBelle revealed that every loss was painful, however, she was more haunted by the death of Jackie.

During a chat on "Oprah's Master Class," LaBelle spoke candidly about the events that happened in the hours leading to Jackie's death. The singer noted that the night before her sister died, she had just returned from a tour.

On arrival, Jackie kindly requested that LaBelle make her an egg sandwich, but according to the actress, she had opted to prepare the meal the following morning.

The next morning, LaBelle kept to her word and prepared the sandwich, and on her way to deliver it, she got the terrible news of Jackie's death.

These days, LaBelle has joined in the fight against cancer.

LaBelle and Jackie shared a close bond as she was her only surviving sibling, and years after the latter's death, she felt terrible for not fulfilling her last wish. Above all, the actress admitted that she missed Jackie badly.

Like life teaches everyone lessons, LaBelle learned some lessons from the death of Jackie and other family members. She learned to live her life today, as nobody knew what could happen in the next hour.

LaBelle advised everyone to love the people they loved, and more importantly, let them know they were loved. In addition, she encouraged the public to do everything they could for their family and take advantage of every day.

These days, LaBelle has joined in the fight against cancer. She has partnered with the Community Oncology Alliance and CancerCare, where she's involved in cancer screening campaigns. Moreso, LaBelle is keen on staying healthy and keeping fit.

She does little exercises like running on a treadmill, walking with her dog, taking the stairs, kicking her legs in the pool, and getting a massage whenever she feels she needs one. The singer is also a doting grandmother to two grandchildren, Gia and Leyla.

Like their grandma, the little girls have developed a love for the spotlight. They love singing LaBelle's songs, and according to the singer, Gia loves the stage. LaBelle is all about letting her grandkids be themselves and not forcing them into showbiz.