Mandisa, a Christian vocalist and former contestant on American Idol, has passed away at the age of 47 in her residence in Nashville. The confirmation of her death was made on Friday morning, although the specific cause has not yet been disclosed.
In her memoir published in 2022, titled Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy, Mandisa candidly discussed her experiences with mental health challenges. She recounted her struggles with depression and anxiety following the death of a close friend from cancer, referring to this time as her “deep dark” phase.
During a 2017 interview with People, Mandisa expressed the profound impact her friend’s passing had on her, which led her to isolate herself and seek solace in food. “When she died, it shook me to my core,” she remarked. “I fell into a deep hole of sadness. I reverted to my old habits, which involved food.” Mandisa’s willingness to share her mental health journey has resonated with many, and her music and message will undoubtedly continue to inspire her audience.