The family of former star Jane 'Nightbirde' Marczewski has shared their 'devastation' over her death, after the talented singer passed away at age 31 following a four-year-long battle with cancer.
The singer, from , died on Saturday, six months after she revealed that the disease had spread to her lungs, spine, and liver - forcing her to leave the singing competition show mid-way last August.
Her family has now spoken out about their 'unimaginable loss,' while paying tribute to Marczewski's 'larger-than-life personality. '
'It is with the deepest heartache that we confirm that after a four-year battle with cancer, Jane Marczewski, known to many of you as Nightbirde, passed away on February 19, 2022. We, her family, are devastated by her passing and unimaginable loss,' they said in a statement to DailyMail.com
'Many remember her from America'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. 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.'
Marczewski amazed the AGTjudges and viewers alike when she performed a poignant original song, It’s Okay, for her audition in June - which she attended by herself - earning a Golden Buzzer from an emotional .
Less than two months later, she stunned everyone again by announcing that she had to quit because her cancer had 'taken a turn for the worse. '
Marczewski grew up in Zanesville, Ohio, but was living in San Clemente, California with her brother, Andrew, who is a pastor, at the time of her death.
Her song It’s OK charted number one on the iTunes and Billboard charts after the audition. She released two EPs over the years, and her other top singles include New Year’s Eve, Girl in a Bubble, and Brave.
'A legacy of hope, strength, and victory. Yes, Jane is victorious because she no longer feels the sting of death that taunted her for so long. '
She added that she was relieved Maczewski's 'pain' has now 'been taken away,' and that she is now 'singing beautifully with no tumors in her lungs.'
She continued: 'Every moment of Jane’s life gave testimony to the goodness of God, and her death reflects that even more.
'God is glorified through her story, and her death is an opportunity to show God’s glory. She is in Heaven with Jesus Christ. And that, my friends, is very good news.'
The singing competition show posted a tribute to Marczewski on its official Instagram account, writing, 'Your voice, your story, and your message touched millions. Nightbirde will always be a member of the AGT family. Rest In Peace, Jane.'
Cowell - who was so impressed with Marczewski on the show that he pressed his Golden Buzzer to automatically put her through to the next round - remembered her on Twitter after her passing, calling her 'so brave' and 'so talented.'
'Heart breaking news to hear about @_nightbirde, she was an extraordinary person, so brave, so talented,' he said.
'She made a huge impact on AGT and the world. Her determination to fight this terrible illness was remarkable. Rest in peace, Jane. I am sending my love to her family.'
AGT judge Howie Mandel also honored Marczewski on Twitter, saying she was 'such a bright inspirational light in all our lives.'
'We must continue to live and learn from her words and lyrics,' he added. 'As much as I feel horribly about her passing I feel lucky to to have met, heard and known her.'
'We are saddened to learn about @_nightbirde‘s Passing,' he captioned a photo of Marczewski on the show. 'Our Condolences goes to her Closest Family & Friends in such of This difficult time. We Love you, Nightbirde.'
Judge Heidi Klum also shared a picture of Marczewski on her Instagram Stories, writing: 'We love you. Rest in peace @_nightbirde.'
Her sentiments were echoed by fellow judge Sofia Vergara, who wrote on her own Instagram: 'Rest in power @_nightbirde. We lost a shining star today.
