Janice Freeman, who was a contestant on The Voice, passed away at the age of 33.
Freeman was one of Miley Cyrus' favorites on the show and made it far into season 13 of the show in 2017. The 33-year-old singer sang “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons for her audition song. Both Miley and Jennifer Hudson turned their chairs for Janice but Janice chose to be on Team Miley. Freeman was on Team Miley and made it to the top 11; she was eliminated on week two of the live shows.
She and Cyrus stayed in touch after the show. Back in 2018, Janice posted a very emotional thank you to Miley on an Instagram Live for helping her out financially when she and her family were searching for a place to live.
Sadly, the singer passed away on March 3. So how did Janice Freeman die? Here's everything we know.
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1. How did she die?
The singer passed away Saturday from “an extreme case” of pneumonia and a blood clot that traveled to her heart, according to a statement that shared the news on Freeman's social media accounts. Janice's family told TMZ that she was at home in West Covina with her husband Dion when she started complaining she couldn't breathe. Dion reportedly dialed 911 and even perform CPR on her until paramedics arrived — but it was too late.
She was pronounced dead around 5:30 p.m. at a hospital.
“While at home her husband Dion performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. She passed away at a local hospital shortly after,” the statement said. TMZ was told a blood clot had traveled to her heart. Janice had a slew of serious health issues, having battled lupus, cervical cancer, and meningitis. Janice's manager told TMZ that she'd been battling a combination of bronchitis and lupus and the blood clot was actually in her lungs.
2. She had battled cancer.
Prior to her appearance on the reality show, Janice had battled cervical cancer in 2012.
"A survivor and fighter, and a beautiful force in this world, Janice gained notoriety through her success on NBC's The Voice as a member of Miley Cyrus' team," a statement for Freeman said. "Her story inspired fans nationwide, having successfully battled cervical cancer and living her life to the fullest while fighting lupus."
In addition to her husband, Dion, Freeman is survived by her daughter, Hannah, her mother, siblings and extended family.
3. She had a tough life.
According to her official NBC bio, the 32-year-old faced many challenges in her life.
“When Janice was 21 years old, her daughter, Hannah, was born. A few years later, when her daughter was only four, Hannah’s father passed away from cancer. It was really tough being a single mom, but it taught her how to be strong. Janice needed the strength because in 2012 she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She fought it and survived."
"In the midst of all the tragedy, she met her wonderfully supportive husband. They have been married for two years, and he even gigs locally with her and her band. Having gone through so much, she is so thankful to be cancer-free and happily married, but needs this shot at a music career to provide stability for Hannah.”
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4. Miley Cyrus posted her love.
Cyrus posted a tribute to Freeman through a series of Instagram photos displaying a rainbow. Miley shared a picture of a rainbow on her story, thanking Freeman for everything. She followed up her Instagram story with an Instagram post with a heartfelt message about how much she misses Freeman.
She wrote how much pain Janice endured but "no one would ever notice because of the smile and joy" she constantly radiated. Cyrus went on to write she's doing her best to celebrate her life, but she mourns her absence. She also said wrote about how selfless the singer was, how she found the good in everything, and how she would pray for Cyrus despite the challenges she was going through herself.
"You are now a rainbow," Cyrus wrote. "Something beautiful that comes after something so gloomy. You were the only artist EVER, that I tried so hard to “sign”, was going to create a label just so YOU could be on it."
"Today we lost a legend. Do you hear me. Everyone got it so wrong on our season together of The Voice because no matter what has been recorded or remembered YOU won my angel," Cyrus continued.
"Janice you’re my star! I will never give up on you. Ever. I am no longer your coach, I never was ..... YOU constantly taught me. You’ve been my coach on how to love, on how to persevere, on how to fight for what I want and never let even my own body get in the way. Anything is possible if it’s being done with faith. You are my world. I will never forget you or stop loving in you. I am forever yours, Miley"
5. So did Jennifer Hudson.
Jennifer Hudson posted a video clip of the audition on her Instagram as a tribute.
"The voice of hers we got to hear and the bit of life we got to watch her live was a blessing and inspiration to us all! My heart and prayers go out to @janicefreeman daughter and family!” she wrote.
The Twitter account for "The Voice" called Freeman an "inspiration" and expressed condolences to her family and friends. TODAY's Carson Daly, the host and a producer of "The Voice," said the news of Freeman's passing breaks his heart.
"Janice was such a memorable & special part of our @NBCTheVoicefamily. Her strength & talent will never be forgotten. Praying for her loved ones," he said in a tweet.
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Maria Lianos-Carbone is author of "Oh Baby! A Mom's Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year" and publisher of amotherworld.com.
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