The sister of Grammy-winning St. Louis hip-hop rap artist Nelly died Thursday at a St. Louis hospital after a long battle with leukemia, the Nelly’s publicist Jane Higgins said.

Jacqueline "Jackie" Donahue, 31, had been diagnosed with leukemia on March 29, 2001. The cancer was in remission for nearly two years before she suffered a relapse, prompting Nelly to arrange a number of bone marrow drives. A match was never found.

Publicist Jane Higgins said Donahue had worked as a stylist for Nelly.

A spokeswoman for Austin Layne Mortuary said funeral arrangements were pending.

In March 2003, rap artist Nelly and his sister formed a campaign called "Jes Us 4 Jackie" to find donors for Donahue and others, and to raise awareness about bone marrow donations.

Donahue's family said in a statement they were "deeply saddened" by her death and offered their thanks for those who had supported her and the bone marrow drives.

"We are very proud of her efforts to educate and raise awareness about the disease and the need for African-Americans to join the National Donor Registry," the family said.

"She will always be remembered for her loving spirit, energy and unshakable faith."

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