CNN Reports that Mandisa Lynn Hundley – best known simply as “Mandisa” – was found dead in her Tennessee home today (4/19/2024). She was 47 years old. The official cause of death has not been determined or publicly released.
Mandisa was a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on “American Idol” during the 2005/2006 season. She released her debut album, “True Beauty,” in 2007, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums and earned her first Grammy nominations. Five more albums followed, including the highly popular “Overcomer” in 2013 which won a Grammy for best contemporary Christian music album in 2014.
Mandisa acknowledged wrestling with depression after losing a friend to cancer. She subsequently documented her mental health struggles in a 2022 memoir titled “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy.”
The CNN article may be read in full HERE.
The Associated Press (“AP News”) is also reporting on the death of Mandisa and that she spoke openly about her struggles with depression in her aforementioned 2022 memoir, in which she detailed her experiences with severe depression, weight-related challenges, the coronavirus pandemic, and her faith.
Today (4/19/2024), the national Christian radio network K-Love paid tribute to the singer on social media, saying that “Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles.”
The AP News article may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, although more information will almost certainly be released in the future about the circumstances of her death, what is important to remember now is her love of Christ and the gift of music she gave to the entire world. A huge talent has been lost.
May God comfort Mandisa’s family, friends, fellow music artists, and all of those (us) who were inspired through her music during this time of sadness or mourning. She was highly anointed to sing about the power and goodness of God.
Let’s remember:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (Amplified Bible)
A Time for Everything
“There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—[a] time to be born and a time to die; [a] time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; [a] time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; [a] time to mourn and a time to dance [emphases mine]. A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; [a] time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; [a] time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; [a] time to keep silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; [a] time for war and a time for peace.”
Matthew 5:4 (NKJV)
“Blessed are those who mourn, [f]or they shall be comforted.”
2 Corinthians 1:3 (NKJV)
Comfort in Suffering
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort…”.
Praise Jesus forevermore!