Join or Sign In
Sign in to customize your TV listings
By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.
One of The Voice's most memorable contestants -- Season 13's Janice Freeman -- has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 33.
The singer made an impression during her time on the show with both her gritty soulful tones and personal spirit of survival. She had beaten cervical cancer by the time she auditioned for the show and vowed to forge a better future for herself, husband, and young daughter. Freeman joined Miley Cyrus' team and made it all way up to the Top 11.
After confirming the news of her death to TMZ, Freeman's family issued a statement on her Instagram page that revealed she was in her home with her husband Dion on Saturday and suffered a blood clot. After her husband performed CPR on her, she was treated by paramedics and later pronounced dead at a hospital. She'd previously survived cancer but still struggled with lupus.
"We are heartbroken to report that Janice Freeman passed away on March 2, 2019 from an extreme case of pneumonia and a blood clot that traveled to her heart," the statement reads. "A survivor and fighter, and a beautiful force in this world ... her story inspired fans nationwide."
Freeman had previously alerted fans to her ongoing health troubles last month, sharing, "It has been a difficult, trying, discouraging, mentally draining, etc last 3 months I have had to deal with in a very long time! But God is FAITHFUL and HE is healing my body and I'm starting to see a little clearly again!"
Miley Cyrus posted a tribute to the singer on her Instagram stories, captioning a photo of a rainbow with, "Thank you Janice Freeman, this photo represents you perfectly."
Cyrus had remained involved in Freeman's post-Voice life by helping her get established with new housing for several months until she was able to obtain a permanent residence.
Fellow Season 13 coach Jennifer Hudson also offered some words of memory in the wake of Freeman's passing, writing, "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 [her] daughter and family."
Freeman was 33 and is survived by her husband and daughter Hannah.