Vanity, whose real name was Denise Matthews, collaborated with the musician Prince and was also the lead singer of the girl group Vanity Six in the 1980s.
Vanity Six was best known for the single Nasty Girl.
Denise Matthews was also known for her solo work, particularly the singles Under the Influence and Faraway Eyes, a song which appeared in the film Action Jackson - one she also acted in among others.
She died from renal failure caused by sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis - a bowel disorder - at her home in California on Monday.
A friend and singer Sheila Drummer, who also worked with Prince, tweeted:
SADDEN my FRIEND IN CHRIST gone 2day. Vanity, Denise Matthews. MISS YOU DEARLY. U ARE IN HIS ARMS NOW, NO Pain pic.twitter.com/UbCWtl8brc
— SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) February 16, 2016
Her health had deteriorated after years of crack cocaine use, and some reports have said she required kidney dialysis five times a day.
In 1994, when doctors gave her three days to live after a drugs overdose, Ms Matthews claimed to see Jesus appear to her, who said that if she gave up her life as Vanity he would save her.
Ms Matthews then became a Christian, ending all former modelling, film and singing contracts before pursuing evangelism instead.
Other stars including Billy Idol also tweeted their sadness at her passing:
Rest in Peace Vanity. pic.twitter.com/J6CalDPx60
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) February 16, 2016
I am really sad to hear of Vanity/ Denise Matthews' passing. I will always treasure our time together.
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) February 16, 2016
RIP
