Press Release

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL — November 16, 2021

Casey Cole and Timolin Cole Augustus are the identical twin daughters of legendary singer, jazz pianist and actor Nat King Cole (1919-1965), whose incandescent voice, resounding performances and breakthrough career inspired so many to achieve greatness and meaning through music. They are the youngest and only surviving siblings of five children born to the iconic entertainer and his wife Maria Hawkins Cole, a jazz vocalist in her own right; and the sisters of renowned singer-songwriter Natalie Cole (1950 – 2015). The sisters both reside in Boca Raton with their families.

In their unwavering commitment to carry on the Cole family legacy, Casey and Timolin stand for equity in children’s music education, as a path for kids and teens to find their voices, and to nurture their hearts and minds to reach their best potential. In the spirit of that vision, they co-founded Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc. (NKCGH) in 2008 to provide economically disadvantaged youth with access to music instruction, mentorship and resources, and by cultivating opportunities and funding programs for under-served schools and communities. With a dedicated team, big hearts and resourcefulness, the Cole sisters have launched signature initiatives such as summer music camps, scholarships, a music educators conference and the Project Encore! Instrument donation program. Casey is acting President while Timolin is Vice President of the organization, a 501(c)(3) charity.

Now more than ever, Nat King Cole Generation Hope addresses the strain on public education systems in under-resourced communities head on. Post-COVID priorities and a crescendo of budget cuts have slashed music programs and funding for enrichment, spurred an exodus of talented music teachers who already do so much with so little, and burdened parents who cannot afford lessons or to buy/rent instruments. Nat King Cole Generation Hope ultimately supports the child, the music instructor and the school.

Casey Cole

A 1983 graduate of Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in French and International Relations, Casey pivoted her skillset to serve as a French translator at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She was then hired by Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) at their Los Angeles office, where she managed and calculated music royalties for songwriters and publishers, from 1985-1990. In 1989, Casey was the Executive Producer for the children’s album, “Nursery Raps With Mama Goose,” released on MCA Records, with sister Natalie as narrator.

In 1990, Casey entered into a partnership with Timolin, who already launched her own independent public relations firm, Cole Public Relations, and the duo represented clients such as sister Natalie Cole, most notably handling the successful launch of the singer’s chart-topping “Unforgettable”
album; and NYC soul food restaurant, Shark Bar, with a devoted clientele of locals and celebrities.

After the birth of her son, Wyatt, Casey became involved in local LA charities and a board member of Children’s Institute International. She then relocated to Boca Raton, Florida, and resumed civic duties on behalf of The Wayside House Treatment Center for Women, a non-profit that supports women with substance abuse issues and addiction, by providing tools to rebuild their lives. Since 1992, she has served as Director of Business Affairs for King Cole Productions, Inc., a family- owned business which oversees proper management and usage of Nat King Cole’s image and likeness.

Today, Casey is not only a devoted mom to Wyatt, 25, but his most ardent fan – he is now in his second season playing in the National Football League (NFL) and a linebacker with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Timolin Cole Augustus

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in English at Amherst College in 1983, Timolin continued her post-graduate studies in journalism at University of Texas at Austin. Two years later, she joined NBC Network News in New York City and spent several years as a production assistant, after which she embarked on a career in public relations and pursued a specialty in the entertainment sector. During her four-year tenure at Patricia Story Public Relations, Timolin represented a range of clients including Harry Belafonte, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, jazz singer Abbey Lincoln, the Toy Fair, and the World Music Video Awards, among others.

In 1990, Timolin launched Cole Public Relations, and in a subsequent partnership with sister Casey, the duo represented clients as big sister Natalie Cole and handled the launch of her “Unforgettable” album, and the Shark Bar — the acclaimed NYC soul food destination where loyal locals mingled with a devout celebrity following.

After meeting her husband, songwriter/producer Gary Augustus in 1989 and relocating to Florida, the couple married in 1991 and Timolin continued her PR career for three more years. While raising two sons, Julian and Justin, she became involved in local charities and served on the advisory board of the Children’s Place at Home Safe, The Haven for Palm Beach County’s runaway children, and Center for the Arts at Mizner Park in Boca Raton. Boca Raton, FL, remains Timolin and Gary’s home for almost 30 years, with their sons now in their 20s and also residing in South Florida.

Since 1990, Timolin has served as Director of Operations for King Cole Productions, Inc., the family-owned business that oversees proper management and usage of Nat King Cole’s image and likeness.

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