Vanity, Former Prince Protege, Dead At 57

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) —  Singer and actress Vanity -- a former protege of rocker Prince -- has died.

The Canadian-born performer -- born Denise Katrina Matthews -- was 57.

At the height of her 80s era career, Vanity fronted the all-girl rock group Vanity 6. The group's biggest hit was 1982's "Nasty Girl" written and produced by Prince.

Vanity reportedly died from an inflammation of the small intestines and succumbed at a hospital in Fremont, California.

A former model, her other credits included "The Pick-Up Artist," "Terror Train," "The Last Dragon," and "Action Jackson".

Contemporary Sheila E. tweeted her sadness and condolences Monday.

A 1994 drug overdose nearly killed Vanity. The overdose led to kidney damage and a series of health issues. Recently, she started a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses.

In her later years, she left show business and found religion.