For Nat King Cole’s twin daughters Timolin and Casey Cole, his iconic, “The Christmas Song,” takes on new meaning.
“We produced ‘Can We Talk To The World?’ to celebrate our father and the power of music to nurture young people,” Timolin, 60, tells PEOPLE during Wednesday’s Nat King Cole Generation Hope holiday event at The Ray hotel in Delray Beach, Florida.
“We need to embolden their spirits at a time when so many children face a journey of unprecedented challenges — emotionally, socially and academically — particularly during the holiday season which can be lonely,” she adds.
Gabrielle Wilde Photography
“Now more than ever music education is urgently needed,” says Casey. “To enable children to discover themselves in the strings of a violin or the keys of a piano is to help them find dignity and hope.”
Christmastime is happy and bittersweet for the twins because they miss their father, mother Maria, sister Natalie, and other family members who have passed away. When they hear “The Christmas Song” — “that is when the holidays start for us,” says Timolin — they focus on the wonderful memories of their talented father, who was also a kind and generous man.
For many years, he brought people together with his music and charm that has never been forgotten.
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“We are so proud that our father touched the soul with his voice and was a quiet leader in the arts,” says Casey. “He believed that he could bring harmony among people with his music. We want to continue that dream in a time when we really need it.”
In addition to the performance of “Can We Talk To The World?” the Generation Hope event also featured video endorsements of the charity and its musical education purpose from superstar performersGloria EstefanandLionel Richie.
Another highlight was a screen presentation ofAlicia Keys' beautiful words about the iconic singer and Generation Hope: “Your father’s grace, elegance and strength are the shoulders on which we stand. Thank you for continuing his legacy.” (On Keys new album, “Keys,” she features a song called “Nat King Cole.")
The twins, who have their own grown children (Timolin has two and Casey has one), lead busy lives at home in south Florida and around the country running the charity.
“We love empowering young kids,” says Timolin.
“We were taught to have a sense of purpose, take responsibility and keep dad’s legacy alive through children. When the parents tell us our contributions have made their son or daughter’s life complete, we feel wonderful and know our dad would be thrilled.”
source: people.com
