Singer and social media star Cat Janice has died at 31 after a battle with cancer.
The American singer went viral after the online release of her song, Dance You Outta My Head, during what turned out to be the final weeks of her life.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Cat Janice listens to a cover version of her song.
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The song — which the terminally ill Janice wrote and recorded after going into palliative care — raced into the Billboard charts, even beating out Ariana Grande’s Yes, And?
Her family released a statement on Thursday saying Janice, whose real name was Catherine Janice Ipsan, had died in her childhood home, surrounded by loved ones.
“This morning, from her childhood home and surrounded by her loving family, Catherine peacefully entered the light and love of her heavenly creator,” the statement read.
“We are eternally thankful for the outpouring of love that Catherine and our family have received over the past few months.
“Cat saw her music go places she never expected and rests in the peace of knowing that she will continue to provide for her son through her music.
“This would not have been possible without all of you. Thank you ♥️.”
Janice’s Instagram page will be maintained by her brother as a memorial to the singer.
“He will also manage all operations surrounding Cat’s music, merchandise, and public relations,” her family said.
“Per Cat’s request, there is some more art that she wants to share too. All in due time.
“With Love, The Ipsans.”
Cancer diagnosis
In March 2022, Janice was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissue.
She kept fans and followers updated as she underwent surgery and chemotherapy, then celebrated when she was declared “cancer free” later that year.
However, in June 2023 she announced the cancer had returned, this time in her lungs.
Janice wrote Dance You Outta My Head after going into hospice care.
Released on January 19, it went viral and became an instant hit.
“Everyone knows that I’ve been battling cancer for a while and I wanted to put this song out, and just go stream it,” Janice said after releasing the song online.
“I hope you like it. I don’t know if I’m going to be around even when the song comes out, so let’s just put it out.
“And I did.”
The song made the Top 40 of the Billboard charts in the Hot Dance/Electronic category, and was also No.11 on Digital Sales, statistics which Janice said “shocked” her.
“YOU ALL DID THIS,” she wrote on Instagram on January 31.
“You gave me my dream come true. Right when I needed it most.
“You all loved me back to life and gave me my ‘one more moment alive’.”
Knowing she was dying, Janice put all her songs under her seven-year-old son Loren’s name so he would receive royalties after her death.
On January 11 this year, she told social media followers she was losing her voice and didn’t know how much time she had left.
“I’m finally home in hospice, don’t know my timeline,” she said.
“Tumours tripled basically overnight.
“Cancer makes it near impossible to talk.”
Her final, haunting post was nine days ago.
“I’ve been stuck slowly passing, unable to move, cannot use my legs, trapped in this near lifeless body,” she wrote.
“Cancer is no joke and never plays nice.
“But this beautiful moment helps me remember that soon I’ll be flying through the heavens, soaring through the next dimension, dancing with God and my nonnie.
“I’ll finally be free and boy am I gonna dance.
“My baby boy will having all these wonderful memories as well, thanks to you all.”
After her family announced her death, fans flocked to Instagram to pay tribute.
“Rest in peace Cat, you are an inspiration,” one fan wrote.
“My heart is broken but I am also relieved you are free. Rest easy Cat. ❤️🙏,” wrote another.
“Such a beautiful human who made such a significant impact,” added a third.
“May you rest peacefully💖.”
