Natalie Cole's Family Blasts 2016 Grammys for Brief In Memoriam Mention: ‘Where Is the Tribute to Our Sister?'

The singer had won nine of the ceremony's golden statues throughout her musical career.

While their sister was an unforgettable singer, Natalie Cole's family is concerned her 2016 Grammy Award tribute was less than memorable.

The "This Will Be" singer succumbed to "complications from ongoing health issues" and passed away at 65 years old on New Year's Eve. She joined a mournful list of other stars lost in the past few months, including rock star David Bowie, Earth, Wind, and Fire's Maurice White and The Eagles' Glenn Frey.

Though all four names were featured in the annual award ceremony's In Memoriam section among dozens of other industry greats, additional performances were arranged to give extra recognition to White, Frey, Bowie and B.B. King, who had passed away in May. Cole's famous family took notice of their sister's commemorative absence.

"Where is the tribute to our sister?" Cole's sister Timolin Cole told Page Six before the show. "We were hoping that there will be some sort of actual tribute to her fitting of her artistry and stature...She was such a force in the music industry and she transcended genres ... I think she should be recognized for the impact she has had."

The ceremony did recognize Cole as the final musician featured in the pre-packaged segment. The slideshow ended with a clip from Natalie's 1992 Grammy duet with her deceased father, Nat King Cole, as they performed the classic "Unforgettable" together digitally.

Still, family and fans alike insisted it wasn't enough to honor the fallen star. Many noted it was a particularly strange choice considering Cole was a nine-time Grammy winner and had been nominated 21 times, winning more golden statues than both Frey and Bowie.

PHOTOS: Celebrity Deaths: 2016's Fallen Stars

READ: Natalie Cole Dies at Age 65: She Will Remain UNFORGETTABLE in Our Hearts Forever, Family Says

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