'AGT' Star Jane 'Nightbirde' Marczewski's Family Is 'Devastated by Her Passing': 'Unimaginable Loss'

Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski’s family is remembering her life and legacy.

“Many remember her fromAmerica’s Got Talent, where she performed her song ‘It’s OK’ and inspired millions of people around the globe with her messages of faith and never giving up. Those who knew her, enjoyed her larger-than-life personality and sense of humor,” the family’s statement continued. “She had a witty joke for every occasion — even if the joke was on her. Her lasting legacy will be the gift of hope she gave to so many through her music and the strength she found in Jesus. We thank everyone for their messages of love and support.”

America’s Got Talentalso honored the late singer. “Your voice, your story, and your message touched millions. Nightbirde will always be a member of the AGT family. Rest In Peace, Jane,“AGTshared on Instagram and Twitter Monday.

“We are saddened to learn about @_nightbirde’s Passing. Our Condolences goes to her Closest Family & Friends in such of This difficult time. We Love you, Nightbirde,” host Terry Crews shared onInstagram.

“We love you. Rest in peace @nightbirde,” judge Heidi Klum shared on her Instagram Story.

“@_nightbirde was such a bright inspirational light in all our lives. We must continue to live and learn from her words and lyrics. As much as I feel horribly about her passing I feel lucky to have met, heard and known her,” judge Howie Mandeltweeted.

Nightbirde.Trae Patton/NBC

At the time of her audition, which was filmed last summer, the singer told audiences that she “had some cancer in my lungs, spine and my liver,” adding, “I have a two percent chance of survival, but two percent is not zero percent. Two percent is something, and I wish people knew how amazing it is.”

She receivedSimon Cowell’sGolden Buzzerthat season, vaulting her straight to the live shows. Her story and original song “It’s Okay” resonated with viewers, and earned her millions of views onYouTube, as well as streams on music platforms. “Her voice was absolutely stunning and performing her original song ‘It’s OK’ after she told us what she was going through with her cancer, it really moved me,” Cowell told PEOPLE last summer, adding that her performance was a “very, very special moment.”

However, shewithdrew from the showweeks later, announcing on social media at the time that she was no longer able to compete as her health had taken a “turn for the worse.”

Prior to the season 16 finale, Cowelltold PEOPLEexclusively that Nightbirde was “really ill and could not make the finals.”

At the time, Cowell also recalled telling Nightbirde, “You can always re-enter the show or you don’t have to because, at this point, when you put your music out, I think a lot of people are going to buy it. So why put yourself through it. You’re not letting anyone down because that’s what she kept saying to me. You’re not, you’re going to be missed but you’re not letting anyone down.”

The GoFundMepagethat the singer had created last summer continues to surpass her $30,000 goal as fans have shared donations and messages. “Sharing my heart with the world on AGT has been an honor and a dream come true. My point of view this summer has been astounding. What a miracle that the pain I’ve walked through can be reworked into beauty that makes people all over the world open their eyes wider,” she wrote in the last update in August 2021.

source: people.com