Natalie Cole "Eternally Grateful" to Mystery Kidney Donor

Natalie Cole tells People.com she is "eternally grateful to the anonymous fan who donated a kidney to her." The operation and generosity has transformed her life.

Cole has battled ill health since she was diagnosed last year with Hep C. She suffered kidney problems while undergoing treatment for the liver disease, which required dialysis three times a week.

She tells People.com, "It's remarkable what a new kidney does to your life. I have no complaints. I'm pretty amazed. I have been working on my stamina.

In April she made an appearance on the "Larry King Live" show, talking about her desperate need for a kidney transplant and was overwhelmed by e-mails from viewers offering her their own organs.

One fan in particular was adamant that the organ went to Cole, with the family ordering doctors not to give it to anybody else.

"I just went to the doctor today. He is thrilled. I'm just really, really thankful. I'm thankful to the doctors, I'm thankful to the family that donated the kidney."

But Cole doesn't give her new kidney all the credit for her new lease of life -- she believes the support of friends and family helped her bounce back.

photo credit: getty images