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“Elvis” actress Shonka Dukureh, who played Big Mama Thorton in the film, was found dead Thursday in a bedroom of her Nashville apartment, police confirmed. She was 44 years old.
The Metro Nashville Police Department said there were no signs of foul play. The results of the autopsy are pending from the medical examiner.
Dukureh, a Fisk University graduate and Nashville singer, shared the apartment with her two young sons, police said. One of the children found her unresponsive and went to a neighbor’s apartment, who called 911 shortly before 9:30 a.m., police said.
The “Elvis” actress had a theater degree from Fisk and graduated from Trevecca Nazarene with a degree in education, WPLN-FM reported.
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In an interview with the station earlier this month, Dukureh revealed that she has been singing in Nashville churches since she was young and is known as one of the best in the city.
“Elvis” actress Shonka Dukureh, who played Big Mama Thorton, was found dead Thursday in a bedroom of her Nashville apartment, police confirmed. He was 44 years old. (Warner Bros.)
He further revealed that he taught second grade for a period of time and then worked with inner-city youth through after-school and summer programs.
Dukureh also shared the stage at Coachella this year with rapper Doja Cat.
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“My deepest condolences to Shonka Dukureh’s family. Shonka graduated from @Fisk1866 and called Nashville home for many years,” tweeted Nashville Mayor John Cooper.
Davidson County in Tennessee also paid tribute to the late actress, saying, “Her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honor her memory on this sad day.”
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.giang@fox.com and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.