US singer Cat Janice, who rose to fame on TikTok, has passed away at the age of 31 after battling sarcoma, a rare form of bone or soft tissue cancer, since March 2022.
Janice, also known as Catherine Ipsan, gained widespread recognition with her song “Dance You Outta My Head,” released from hospice care. During her treatment, she transferred the rights to her music to her seven-year-old son, Loren.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support, Janice’s family stated, “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 music.”
The track “Dance Outta My Head” achieved remarkable success, topping the TikTok Billboard Top 50 and securing a spot in the top 10 of Billboard’s dance and electronic chart within the first week of 2024. The accompanying music video garnered 57 million views online.
Starting her music journey as a teenager, Janice released her work in her 20s. Despite facing sarcoma and keeping her followers informed about her treatment, she achieved a temporary victory in her battle against cancer after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Unfortunately, the disease returned to her lungs in June 2023.
In a heartfelt message to her followers, Janice acknowledged her defeat against cancer, stating, “I’ve fought hard but sarcomas are too tough.” She redirected all her music rights to her son, emphasizing her desire to “bring joy” with one last song for her birthday.
In one of her updates, she shared that her tumors had rapidly multiplied, leaving her with the poignant mission of leaving behind her songs for her son. Urging her followers to download her music to support her son’s financial future, Janice faced the harsh reality of her limited time.
Hailing from Washington, DC, Cat Janice spent her final weeks at home, engaging in activities she loved, such as baking and making music when her strength allowed. Her husband, Kyle Higginbotham, emphasized that Janice’s music career should be remembered as more than a “sob story.” He highlighted her dedication as a genuine artist, pouring every moment of her life into her craft until the very end.
