According to numerous reports, Lons died of an overdose Sunday (July 18) after a decades-long battle with addiction.
Cole's brother Sam confirmed the news, telling TMZ that his mother suffered a relapse while celebrating her 61st birthday. Cole has yet to issue a statement about her mother's death.
“Every time my mom relapse [sic], it breaks my heart more than it’s already been broken,” Cole wrote in an Instagram post back in August 2018. “I’m hoping, if any of u are dealing with a family member who’s battling with drug addiction, that you, yourself are learning how to cope with the struggle of it all. And all the pain it brings to see a loved one constantly relapsing,” she continued at the time. “See them go back to the streets Because that’s what they’re used to, or would rather be. I really miss you! And will always love u #FrankTheBank 👑❤️.”
As an infant, Cole was given up by Frankie and her biological father, Virgil Hunter, for adoption. She reunited with her mother as her career took off, with Frankie becoming a reality TV star in her own right.