The music world is mourning the loss of former American Idol contestant and Grammy Award-winning artist Mandisa, who tragically passed away in her home on April 18. Mandisa touched countless lives with her music and heartfelt messages of hope and strength.
A statement released following her passing read, “We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time. Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world.” It further highlighted her impact by quoting one of her songs dedicated to a late friend, “I’m already home / You’ve got to lay it down / ’cause Jesus holds me now— / And I am not alone.”
The news of her passing led to an outpouring of tributes, with fans and followers expressing their sorrow and reminiscing about how her music served as a beacon of hope. One fan shared, “So very sorry to hear this. Her music encouraged me through some difficult moments in my life. Her voice and music will be dearly missed.”
While Mandisa’s initial cause of death was not disclosed, an autopsy report recently obtained by PEOPLE magazine has revealed some heartbreaking details. According to the report, Mandisa died from complications related to class III obesity, often referred to as severe obesity, at the age of 47. Her death has been classified as natural.
As defined by the Cleveland Clinic, class III obesity “is a complex chronic disease in which a person has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher and is experiencing obesity-related health conditions.” Mandisa had been open about her struggles with weight and mental health, linking them to periods of intense personal hardship.
In a candid interview with PEOPLE in 2017, Mandisa shared insights into her personal struggles, saying, “I didn’t leave the house, for the most part. When I got up, I went downstairs, sat in the recliner, and I watched television nonstop. The only time I left was when I got tired of pizza delivery and decided to get McDonald’s.”
Mandisa first caught the public’s eye with her stunning audition for the fifth season of American Idol in 2006, where she impressed the judges with her powerful voice. She became well-known for her performances of hits like Chaka Khan’s ‘I’m Every Woman’ and Stevie Wonder’s ‘Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing’ during her time on the show.
Her musical career soared with the release of her debut album, True Beauty, in 2007, which was followed by a Grammy win six years later, cementing her status as a beloved musical icon.
The legacy of Mandisa as a vibrant, talented, and compassionate artist will undeniably live on through her music and the lives she touched. Her story continues to resonate with many who find solace in her lyrics and melodies during challenging times.