Christian music sensation Mandisa has died at the age of 47.
The singer was found dead in her home on Thursday, a representative for Mandisa confirmed to USA TODAY on Friday.
“The cause of death and further details are unknown at this time. Please keep her family and close friends in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” her team said in an email.
A Franklin Police Department spokesperson told the USA TODAY Network on Friday that officers are investigating the Christian singer and “American Idol” alum’s death after she was found dead.
“Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people around the world facing life’s challenges. She wrote this song for a dear friend who passed away in 2017. Her own words It says it best: “I’m home, you’re home.” Jesus is holding me now, and I have to stop, and I’m alone. Not,” a statement posted to her official Facebook account on Friday read.
The California native first rose to fame when she finished in the top 10 on season 5 of American Idol.
She then released her debut album “True Beauty” and became one of the most famous singers in the Christian music industry. The five-time Grammy nominee won her award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her 2013 album “Overcomer,” which featured her popular title song.
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A rep for the show released a statement to USA TODAY on Friday about Mandisa’s death.
“Mandisa was a beloved icon on American Idol and in the music industry. She went on to become a platinum-selling artist and won several Grammy Awards for her music. Due to her death, no one on the show Everyone involved in her death is heartbroken and our deepest sympathies go out to her family,” the statement read.
Robin Roberts mourns the death of Mandisa, who spoke to her during cancer treatment
In a 2017 interview with Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America,” Mandisa spoke about her battle with deep depression three years ago. She said Mandisa became depressed after her best friend and backup singer, Lakisha “Kisha” Mitchell, died of breast cancer.
“It got pretty bad to the point that if I hadn’t gone down that road, I might not be sitting here today,” Mandisa told Robin Roberts on “GMA.” “I almost heard the voice: ‘Mandisa, you can be with Jesus right now. All you have to do is end your life.’
Roberts, who had been listening to Mandisa’s song “Stronger” during her own breast cancer treatment, mourned Mandisa’s death in a Facebook post on Friday, and on her first day back on “GMA” after battling cancer, Roberts said she had been listening to Mandisa’s song “Stronger.” ‘ alumni told how they were present.
“My heart is heavy to hear about Mandisa. I’m incredibly happy to have her on my first day back at GMA after a long medical break. Her beautiful music and spirit will be with me and countless others. She was an inspiration to others. My prayers and condolences go out to her family and loved ones,” she said, adding a link to Mandisa’s performance.
Christian radio station shares news of Mandisa’s death: ‘The fight is over’
Mandisa’s death was first shared in a blog post by Christian radio station K-Love.
K-Love’s chief media officer, David Pearce, said in a statement: “We love Jesus and have used an unusually broad platform to talk about Him at every opportunity,” and for the star’s family and friends. asked for prayer.
“Her kindness was amazing, her smile was amazing, and her voice was huge, but no one could match the size of her heart. Mandisa was struggling, but she She was vulnerable enough to share with us. It helped us talk about our own struggles. She sang, “It’s over, I’m with God.” We are grieving, but Mandisa is at home,” the statement read.
Contributors: Melonee Hurt and Craig Shoup.tennessean
