Remembering Denise “Vanity” Matthews on the Anniversary of Her Passing Denise Katrina Matthews, aka Vanity, was born on January 4, 1959, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Sadly, on February 15, 2016, she passed away from kidney failure after years of health struggles. She endured daily dialysis and 23 surgeries following kidney failure caused by a 1994 drug overdose. Near the end of her life, she was also diagnosed with sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, a painful and severe kidney condition

Denise Matthews, aka Vanity, just got the hometown love she deserves! She was recently inducted into the Niagara Falls Arts & Culture Wall of Fame—finally getting recognized as one of the brightest stars to ever come out of Niagara Falls, Canada🇨🇦 Born on January 4, 1959, Denise lit up the 80s and 90s as a singer, actress, and model. She rose to fame as the lead singer of Prince’s group Vanity 6 (Nasty Girl), then cemented her legacy with unforgettable roles in The Last Dragon and Action Jacks

The Story of Vanity, Prince’s True Love Who Couldn’t Escape a Tragic End - The Root