Elvis actress, gospel singer Shonka Dukureh dead at 44

Authorities do not suspect foul play, though an autopsy report from the medical examiner is pending

By Ben Whedon

Published: July 21, 2022 7:42pm

Updated: July 21, 2022 8:11pm

Elvis actresses and Nashville area gospel singer Shonka Dukureh was found dead in home Thursday morning, local authorities confirmed.

Police received a 911 call from one of Dukureh's neighbors to whom one of her two daughters went for help after finding their mother unresponsive in her bed, according to People. She was 44 years old at the time of her death.

Authorities do not suspect foul play, though an autopsy report from the medical examiner is pending.

Dukureh entered the national spotlight this year with her breakout role of Big Mama Thornton in the Elvis biopic released earlier this year. She also was a gospel singer of some renown and a local teacher.

Nashville Mayor John Cooper issued a statement on Dukureh's passing.

"My deepest condolences to the family of Shonka Dukureh. Shonka graduated from Fisk and called Nashville home for many years," he said. "Her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honor her memory on this sad day."