Natalie Cole [ tickets ] has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, which was found during a routine examination. The virus is likely the result of her drug use many decades ago, which was revealed and documented in Cole's 2000 autobiography "Angel On My Shoulder," according to a statement released on the singer's behalf.

The symptoms of the blood-borne infectious disease can be medically managed and most patients can be cleared of the virus by a course of medicine. Cole's doctors said she has responded well to her medication and is now virus negative. Dr. Graham Woolf of UCLA/Cedars Sinai Medical Center said testing negative gives Cole an increased chance of cure, but she also has suffered significant side effects from the anti-viral medicine. Her side effects include fatigue, muscle aches and dehydration.

The Hepatitis C and treatment is not expected to interfere with the Sept. 9 release of her new CD, "Still Unforgettable," and its subsequent promotion.