The untold story of Natalie Cole's comeback tribute to her father, Nat King Cole - interview - Cover Story

Fischer, however, wouldn't be dissuaded. When she was sick, he was there picking up her medicine, going to the grocery store, making sure she and her son Robbie had everything they needed. When she needed space, he backed off. But not too far. When she wanted to talk, or just needed a shoulder to lean on, he was there. Finally, when he had convinced her that he was for real, the magnets connected. I'd never had a best friend in a man I was in a relationship with and I never knew that was possible," says Natalie softly.

On February 10, 1989, a month after he'd confessed his love to her, Fischer asked Natalie to marry him. "He got down on his knees at three o'clock in the morning and asked me would I consider being his wife," she recalls with a smile that's like the sun breaking through clouds. From that day forward I've never looked back. "

As for her professional horizons, they're equally glowing. The Unforgettable album reached the No. 1 spot on both the pop and jazz charts and this month October) she and her 38-piece orchestra will embark on a much anticipated international tour. "I'm traveling all over the world with a show of my father's music," she says beaming. There's even talk of taking it to Broadway.

Every November 28 she still celebrates "because that's the last day I did drugs." And every single day she thanks God for her blessings-and her life. "The first Bible scripture that I really ever took to heart, I've never forgotten: 'In all thy ways acknowledge God and He will direct your path.' When everybody else has let you down, God will lift you up and I know this to be true. You just can't get tired. You have to hang in there and just keep on keeping on no matter what. "

COPYRIGHT 1991 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group