Superfan1984 said:

that'd be nice.....

indeed

nursev said:

Still the greatest Prince babe of all time and truly one of the few people in his life who can legtimately claim to have been an essential part of what Prince became.

missfee said:

nursev said:

None of us truly know how or if Denise and Prince made peace with each other, but I truly wish that he will step up and pay for her funeral and give her the home going that all of her fans know that she deserves.

It would be a nice gesture if he did that but I don't think he owes it to her to do it. It's not his responsibility. The only thing I would expect him to do is pay his respects...anything outside of that is optional.

He doesn't owe any of us anything, but it just feels right to me. Obviously Denise had financial issues and medical bills. I just feel like to not help her family is wrong. She did so much for the Purple camp-its like losing a family member. Again he doesn't owe it, but if he can...why not?

FUNKYNESS said:

Still the greatest Prince babe of all time and truly one of the few people in his life who can legtimately claim to have been an essential part of what Prince became.

agreed 100%

free2bfreeda said:

acjohns said:

I admire the fact Denise never shared any of her secrets about Prince and the other members. She was seriously ill and she could have easily gotten money for her stories, but she didnt stoop low to do that. She kept her dignity and respect for herself ,colleagues,friends,and for Prince. May she rest in Peace.

So true and still another reason he should help her family. Even though we all wouldve paid money to read it-she to my knowledge never told or said anything derogatory about Prince.

RIP Vanity

Still no comments from Berry Gordy, Wendy and Lisa, Jesse, Brenda or most of the Revolution. Nothing from Alan Leeds. I expected better. I mean, even Smokey Robinson is good for a platitude or two.

I always thought it a damn shame there were so few pics of Prince and Vanity. I mean, where are the outtakes from the Rolling Stone shoot? Are there more pics of them at the Grammys than we have seen? Someone has to have the pics? And honestly, there have to be a ton of pics of V from her time in Prince's camp. Where are they and why haven't we seen them?

[Edited 2/17/16 19:54pm]

scriptgirl said:

Still no comments from Berry Gordy, Wendy and Lisa, Jesse, Brenda or most of the Revolution. Nothing from Alan Leeds. I expected better. I mean, even Smokey Robinson is good for a platitude or two.

I always thought it a damn shame there were so few pics of Prince and Vanity. I mean, where are the outtakes from the Rolling Stone shoot? Are there more pics of them at the Grammys than we have seen? Someone has to have the pics? And honestly, there have to be a ton of pics of V from her time in Prince's camp. Where are they and why haven't we seen them?

[Edited 2/17/16 19:54pm]

Let people have their time to say something, if they feel they need to.

Prince & Vanity 6 1982-1983

http://prince.org/msg/7/421124

OldFriends4Sale said:

scriptgirl said:

Still no comments from Berry Gordy, Wendy and Lisa, Jesse, Brenda or most of the Revolution. Nothing from Alan Leeds. I expected better. I mean, even Smokey Robinson is good for a platitude or two.

I always thought it a damn shame there were so few pics of Prince and Vanity. I mean, where are the outtakes from the Rolling Stone shoot? Are there more pics of them at the Grammys than we have seen? Someone has to have the pics? And honestly, there have to be a ton of pics of V from her time in Prince's camp. Where are they and why haven't we seen them?

[Edited 2/17/16 19:54pm]

Let people have their time to say something, if they feel they need to.

Prince & Vanity 6 1982-1983

http://prince.org/msg/7/421124

I just read somewhere online where Berry Gordy said what a beautiful person. I can't believe she's gone. The person that hasn't said anything on his twitter (or maybe I just haven't come across it yet) is Nikki Sixx. Her supposed ex fiance. or Micki Free.

Berry Gordy on Vanity:

http://www.staradvertiser.com/breaking-news/singer-actress-denise-matthews-known-as-vanity-dies/

$50,000

She was a gorgeous unique artist. I actually bought her first album when it came out. So glad her suffering was over, she was in a lot of pain. after the overdose not only kidney failure but she endured 23 surgeries. Prince wrote When Doves Cry after she left him. She said he never paid her, not even for the tour performances. When she became born again she called him the devil. I think later they reconciled.

[Edited 2/17/16 21:52pm]

[Edited 2/17/16 21:53pm]

Militant said:

Prince dedicated his Melbourne show to Vanity, was visibly upset, and told many stories and mentioned that he was in love with her, apparently.

I am glad that Prince did this......

[Snip - luv4u] RIP DEnise and concolences to her family and Prince

Diana80 said:

I know Denise said she hadn't had one lonely moment since she "came to the Lord", but I can't help but to wonder if that was completely true. Her life just seemed so sad even during the years after she had been "saved". It seemed like all she had was her fellow churchgoers and her cats. Did she have any CLOSE friends - ones she could call or meet up with at any time of the day whenever she was feeling down, or was the last 25 years just her and "Jesus"? Also, when she went to the hospital on Sunday, did she have friends or family there with her to at least keep her company? I sure hope so. I hate to think she died with no friends or family around.

It just really breaks my heart thinking about how sad her life ended up. Yes, I know she professed to be the happiest person she knew after "coming to Jesus" (and I hope that was the truth), but I can't help but to think that she missed out on so many simple pleasures during the last 25 years of her life because of her beliefs (having a boyfriend, listening to mainstream music - not all pop music is filth and smut, having a group of friends that weren't just church people, etc.). Just little things like that.

Also, someone earlier in the thread said her sister passed away a few years ago - what happened to Patricia? That's terrible.

The poor woman's life just seemed so hard and sad from beginning to end.

Yes, this is exactly the same thing I have been wondering about. Hopefully it is not the case. She was a very nice and sweet lady when I communnicated with her even though we did'nt alaways agree with each other. I will be forever grateful for her kindness.

[Edited 2/18/16 3:44am]

[Edited 2/18/16 3:46am]

nursev said:

Diana80 said:

I know Denise said she hadn't had one lonely moment since she "came to the Lord", but I can't help but to wonder if that was completely true. Her life just seemed so sad even during the years after she had been "saved". It seemed like all she had was her fellow churchgoers and her cats. Did she have any CLOSE friends - ones she could call or meet up with at any time of the day whenever she was feeling down, or was the last 25 years just her and "Jesus"? Also, when she went to the hospital on Sunday, did she have friends or family there with her to at least keep her company? I sure hope so. I hate to think she died with no friends or family around.

It just really breaks my heart thinking about how sad her life ended up. Yes, I know she professed to be the happiest person she knew after "coming to Jesus" (and I hope that was the truth), but I can't help but to think that she missed out on so many simple pleasures during the last 25 years of her life because of her beliefs (having a boyfriend, listening to mainstream music - not all pop music is filth and smut, having a group of friends that weren't just church people, etc.). Just little things like that.

Also, someone earlier in the thread said her sister passed away a few years ago - what happened to Patricia? That's terrible.

The poor woman's life just seemed so hard and sad from beginning to end.

Yes she had a difficult life, but she did more in her short life than most of us will ever do. I really hope that she was happy and came to peace with her inner issues. I also hope that she knew how many of her fans really loved her and we all knew that Prince loved her. Yes dying alone is sad, but we all have to make that journey alone one day. I choose to think of her the way she was in those years when she made Prince's fans her fans too

That is true she did a lot in her life! I believe she was truly happy and content in life, and wasn't lonely. If you listen to her passion when she preached you can see that, her life changed and we can take comfort knowing she survived more than 20 years past when Doctors gave her little chance, and dedicated her life to God. She had many real friends after leaving showbiz behind. Our perception of someones life because they lead it very differently to ours is based on what we think is 'normal' - e.g. The Queen in U.K. isn't lonely but her life is very different to most. I'm glad she is no longer suffering physical pain, it took real strength and faith to cope with that and to leave showbiz behind for good, her testimony is a powerful one! She mentioned in later interview that she had kept in touch with some from Minneapolis era incl. Jesse, Susan, Brenda, etc. I've no idea if she had spoken to Prince in many years but I hope that they did because he was clearly heartbroken hearing the news she had passed. R.I.P. Denise Matthews, she will be truly missed.

[Edited 2/18/16 5:04am]

[Edited 2/18/16 5:05am]

Have messaged Union City Apostolic Church to ask if any way for friends & fans who cannot make the event in person to leave condolence messages. Also I asked if possible for them to show it live on the Internet or later upload it (I did say if not possible or not deemed something they would like filmed, forgive me for asking), they did show e.g. service for Lemmy (Motorhead) live on Youtube. Denise had many friends & fans worldwide, unfortunately most will not be able to make the event. If none of that is possible, I'm sure it will be a wonderful celebration of her life! My thoughts are with her family and friends, I hope they are coping as best they can under the circumstances.

[Edited 2/18/16 5:00am]

jayaredee said:

Denise encouraged me to revisit my faith in Jesus and study the bible after a decade of neglecting it. I owe her a thanks in that regard. Her story has inspired me.

That would have made her so happy....y'all gonna have me crying.

I'm glad for you.

MandalayWay said:

Have messaged Union City Apostolic Church to ask if any way for friends & fans who cannot make the event in person to leave condolence messages. Also I asked if possible for them to show it live on the Internet or later upload it (I did say if not possible or not deemed something they would like filmed, forgive me for asking), they did show e.g. service for Lemmy (Motorhead) live on Youtube. Denise had many friends & fans worldwide, unfortunately most will not be able to make the event. If none of that is possible, I'm sure it will be a wonderful celebration of her life! My thoughts are with her family and friends, I hope they are coping as best they can under the circumstances.

[Edited 2/18/16 5:00am]

Thanks so much for this. Would you happen to know if they are in need of donations?

Comment deleted - langebleu - moderator

Her death made me really sad.

babynoz said:

MandalayWay said:

Have messaged Union City Apostolic Church to ask if any way for friends & fans who cannot make the event in person to leave condolence messages. Also I asked if possible for them to show it live on the Internet or later upload it (I did say if not possible or not deemed something they would like filmed, forgive me for asking), they did show e.g. service for Lemmy (Motorhead) live on Youtube. Denise had many friends & fans worldwide, unfortunately most will not be able to make the event. If none of that is possible, I'm sure it will be a wonderful celebration of her life! My thoughts are with her family and friends, I hope they are coping as best they can under the circumstances.

[Edited 2/18/16 5:00am]

I believe Denise knew she didn't have long to live.That's why she was giving away her most prized possessions this last year. It wasn't for financial reasons.

I thought it was inspirational the way she fought so hard to turn her life around, and decided to take the high road. Like a lot of you said, she could have easily told it all. I regret not purchasing her book. It seemed like she probably had a lot to say about her road to redemption and change.

I sorta checked out her FB page off and on, and she seemed very positive and in a very good place with herself and her evangelical work. I wasn't a super fan, but, I did admire her. I liked her music and her acting, but also came to appreciate the woman she became after she turned her life around. Not many people in her position are able to do so.

She was beautiful on the outside, of course. But what came from within was even more gorgeous.

R.I.P., Ms. Matthews.

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

MandalayWay said:

Have messaged Union City Apostolic Church to ask if any way for friends & fans who cannot make the event in person to leave condolence messages. Also I asked if possible for them to show it live on the Internet or later upload it (I did say if not possible or not deemed something they would like filmed, forgive me for asking), they did show e.g. service for Lemmy (Motorhead) live on Youtube. Denise had many friends & fans worldwide, unfortunately most will not be able to make the event. If none of that is possible, I'm sure it will be a wonderful celebration of her life! My thoughts are with her family and friends, I hope they are coping as best they can under the circumstances.

[Edited 2/18/16 5:00am]

I believe Denise knew she didn't have long to live.That's why she was giving away her most prized possessions this last year. It wasn't for financial reasons.

To be accurate, she was actually selling them. And I was so happy she was because I got to purchase some very prized possessions. And also she really negotiated on the price too. She knew the amount she wanted. I was glad to give it even though I spent alot. I had no idea she wouldn't be here today, all I knew was that I wanted those items. Not the new stuff but her old back in the day stuff. Cherish forever.

blue22 said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

I believe Denise knew she didn't have long to live.That's why she was giving away her most prized possessions this last year. It wasn't for financial reasons.

To be accurate, she was actually selling them. And I was so happy she was because I got to purchase some very prized possessions. And also she really negotiated on the price too. She knew the amount she wanted. I was glad to give it even though I spent alot. I had no idea she wouldn't be here today, all I knew was that I wanted those items. Not the new stuff but her old back in the day stuff. Cherish forever.

I'M very much aware that she was selling them. I was in communication with her. I have a prized possession also from her.

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

blue22 said:

To be accurate, she was actually selling them. And I was so happy she was because I got to purchase some very prized possessions. And also she really negotiated on the price too. She knew the amount she wanted. I was glad to give it even though I spent alot. I had no idea she wouldn't be here today, all I knew was that I wanted those items. Not the new stuff but her old back in the day stuff. Cherish forever.

I'M very much aware that she was selling them. I was in communication with her. I have a prized possession also from her.

Yes!!! Great stuff. We are so lucky to get them

I have the book also, the first print. Unique writing.

babynoz said:

MandalayWay said:

Have messaged Union City Apostolic Church to ask if any way for friends & fans who cannot make the event in person to leave condolence messages. Also I asked if possible for them to show it live on the Internet or later upload it (I did say if not possible or not deemed something they would like filmed, forgive me for asking), they did show e.g. service for Lemmy (Motorhead) live on Youtube. Denise had many friends & fans worldwide, unfortunately most will not be able to make the event. If none of that is possible, I'm sure it will be a wonderful celebration of her life! My thoughts are with her family and friends, I hope they are coping as best they can under the circumstances.

[Edited 2/18/16 5:00am]

Thanks so much for this. Would you happen to know if they are in need of donations?

Sorry I do not know about donations, if I hear from the Church (where the Celebration will be held) I'll post it here or you can contact them yourself to ask - it seems a big and popular Church with a lot of different acticties going on, so they might not even get the chance to respond before then. I'm outside U.S. but for anyone there, the Church has phone number on contact details also.

Here is the website :

http://ucapostolic.org/

Also Facebook page :

https://www.facebook.com/ucapostolic

(Maybe they will make further announcements on there)

Would not make donations on Blame It On Vanity site (http://blameitonvanity.com/) just now, only as not sure if she had manager or anyone that will receive them, it seemed like it was just herself dealing with book orders, correspondence, etc. Or if someone or her family do deal with such things in the future, it may be some time until they get round to doing so.

I really hope her book will get republished in the future or be brought out by a major publisher, not sure if that will ever be possible though. Her testimony was a powerful one and deserves to be heard by more people, she was also very passionate about the book wrote it all herself, selected the photos, etc. I'm sure the Celebration will be a wonderful and fitting tribute!

[Edited 2/18/16 11:49am]

MandalayWay said:

babynoz said:

Thanks so much for this. Would you happen to know if they are in need of donations?

Sorry I do not know about donations, if I hear from the Church where the Celebration will be held I'll post it here or you can contact them yourself to ask - it seems a big and popular Church with a lot of different acticties going on, so they might not even get the chance to respond before then. I'm outside U.S. but for anyone there, the Church has phone number on contact details also.

Here is the website :

http://ucapostolic.org/

Also Facebook page :

https://www.facebook.com/ucapostolic

(Maybe they will make further announcements on there)

Would not make donations on Blame It On Vanity site (http://blameitonvanity.com/) just now, only as not sure if she had manager or anyone that will receive them, it seemed like it was just herself dealing with book orders, correspondence, etc. Or if someone or her family do deal with such things in the future, it may be some time until they get round to doing so.

I really hope her book will get republished in the future or be brought out by a major publisher, not sure if that will ever be possible though. Her testimony was a powerful one and deserves to be heard by more people, she was also very passionate about the book wrote it all herself, selected the photos, etc. I'm sure the Celebration will be a wonderful and fitting tribute!

Thank you for the information.

I feel very sad since she passed. Very sad.