Grammy-award winning gospel singer Mandisa passed away at the age of 47 due to complications of class III obesity. She rose to fame on season five of “American Idol” and was found dead in her home in Franklin, near Nashville, Tennessee, on April 18. The Nashville medical examiner’s office confirmed that her cause of death was natural, citing her high body mass index as a contributing factor. Class III obesity can lead to serious health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Mandisa, whose full name is Mandisa Lynn Hundley, grew up singing in church and studied vocal performance at American River College in California and Fisk University in Nashville. She started her career as a backup vocalist for various artists before appearing on “American Idol” where she finished in ninth place. In 2014, she won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her work on “Overcomer.” Mandisa has been open about her struggles with depression and emotional eating, particularly after the death of a close friend in 2014.
In a 2017 interview with “Good Morning America,” Mandisa revealed that she had gained back all the weight she had lost, plus an additional 75 pounds, after the death of her friend. She experienced deep depression and almost took her own life before friends intervened and helped her seek professional help. She emphasized the importance of not suffering in silence and reaching out for support in times of crisis. Mandisa’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and seeking help when needed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, you can call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Additional resources and support can be found at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. Mandisa’s openness about her struggles with emotional eating and depression sheds light on the challenges many individuals face when dealing with mental health issues. Her story serves as a reminder to prioritize mental health and seek help when needed.
Mandisa’s journey serves as a reminder of the impact that mental health struggles can have on individuals, even those who have achieved success and recognition in their careers. Her openness about her struggles and the importance of seeking help in times of crisis can help raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. By sharing her story, Mandisa continues to inspire others to prioritize their mental health and seek support when needed, in honor of her memory and legacy as a talented gospel singer.
