The Grammy-winning singer, who last made headlines for her comments about drug addict Amy Winehouse’s appearance at the Grammy awards, has been diagnosed with hepatitis C virus.

The liver disease, which is spread through contact with infected blood, was discovered by the 58-year-old singer's doctor during a routine checkup. She has since begun treatment for the virus.

"Natalie has had a terrific response to her medication and is now virus negative," her doctor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles said. "This gives her an increased chance of cure."

Cole's publicist, who released a public statement adding that the daughter of daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole probably contacted the disease a long time ago, during her less than good years, from drug usage, also confirmed the news.

"I've been so fortunate to have learned so much from my past experiences. I am embraced by the love and support of my family and friends," the statement said..

"I am committed to my belief in myself and in my abiding faith to meet this challenge with a heartfelt optimism and determination. This is how I intend to deal with this current challenge in my life," she added.

Dr. Graham Woolf, Cole's physician added that his patient was recovering from side effects of the anti-viral medicine she is taking, including fatigue, muscle aches and dehydration.

However, none of these are expected to interfere with the singer's album "Still Unforgettable" release in September.

Natalie has been sober for decades. In her 2000 memoir, "Angel on My shoulder," she spoke candidly about her pot, cocaine, heroin and alcohol use and even revealed that she regularly performed under the influence, was busted for drug possession, and gave men sexual favors in exchange for drugs.