Nightbirde’s Family, Friends, and Fans Share Tributes: ‘God Is Glorified Through Her Story’
By Movieguide® Staff
The family of singer Jane Marczewski confirmed the tragic news of her death on Feb. 19, after her four-year battle with cancer.
In a statement on Facebook, Marczewski’s sister-in-law Katelyn wrote about Nightbirde’s faith despite her circumstances.
“There is a lot I do not understand. There are 1,000 questions that I do not have the answer to. But after all of this, the one thing I know for certain is that God is good,” she wrote. “The news of Jane’s passing came to me at 4am on Sunday morning. It came partially as a shock and partially as the news I knew in my heart was coming soon.”
“Jane left the Earth with nothing but her hope in Jesus,” she continued. “Everything else – the fame, the money, the ‘success’ – all of the things that people strive for – stayed behind, leaving the rest of us with the legacy she created. A legacy of hope, strength, and victory. Yes, Jane is victorious because she no longer feels the sting of death that taunted her for so long.”
Katelyn also thanked fans for their faithful prayers.
“I am 100% confident that God answered all of our prayers,” she said. “She is healed. Her pain has been taken away. She is singing beautifully right now with no tumors in her lungs.”
“Every moment of Jane’s life gave testimony to the goodness of God, and her death reflects that even more. God is glorified through her story, and her death is an opportunity to show God’s glory,” she added. “She is in Heaven with Jesus Christ. And that, my friends, is very good news.”
On Monday, an outspoken Christian and AGT host, Terry Crews, confirmed the news in a Tweet. Crews also said that AGT should honor the former contestant at the start of their next season.
“I have to tell you the thing she said on stage which was, ‘You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.’ It was one of the most inspirational things I’ve ever witnessed in my life,” Crews, 53, told PEOPLE. “The obstacles which she was facing in the middle of all of this and she just showed nothing but happiness, nothing but gratefulness for every moment — it just really reminded me just what life is all about and the fact that she passed, it made me just go, ‘My God. She blessed the Earth like an angel would,’ and that’s all I can say.”
Crews continued: “We love her. The AGT Family is truly a family and we were following her throughout this whole thing and she’s in Heaven and that’s all I can say.
“We have a new season of AGT coming up and I think it would be great to do something to just really highlight who she is, what she is,” he said. “She never stopped making music. She never, ever stopped! You know what I mean? Oh my God, it’s just inspirational — and a lesson.”
AGT judges Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell also offered tributes to the former Golden-buzzer winner.
“Heart breaking news to hear about @_nightbirde, she was an extraordinary person, so brave, so talented. She made a huge impact on AGT and the world. Her determination to fight this terrible illness was remarkable. Rest in peace, Jane. I am sending my love to her family. Simon,” Cowell wrote on Twitter.
Heart breaking news to hear about @_nightbirde, she was an extraordinary person, so brave, so talented. She made a huge impact on AGT and the world. Her determination to fight this terrible illness was remarkable. Rest in peace, Jane. I am sending my love to her family. Simon
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) February 22, 2022
Mandel added in a separate tweet: “@_nightbirde was such a bright inspirational light in all our lives.we must continue to live and learn from her words and lyrics. As much as I feel horribly about her passing I feel lucky to to have met, heard and known her.”
@_nightbirde was such a bright inspirational light in all our lives.we must continue to live and learn from her words and lyrics. As much as I feel horribly about her passing I feel lucky to to have met, heard and known her.
— Howie Mandel (@howiemandel) February 21, 2022
Marczewski’s father, Mitch, also wrote a tribute and update alongside a fundraiser to start a foundation to help others fight cancer.
“Jane Kristen Marczewski, age 31, also known as Nightbirde of Nashport OH went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 19, 2022 after a four-year battle with cancer. She most recently resided in San Clemente CA with her brother Andrew,” the announcement reads. “Many remember her as the winner of Simon Cowell’s Golder Buzzer on America’s Got Talent in 2021 with the hit song It’s OK which charted No. 1 on iTunes and charted on Billboard. Her other top songs include New Year’s Eve, Girl in a Bubble and Brave.”
“Before she became Nightbirde, she dedicated her high school years volunteering with the youth ministry at Cornerstone Church in Licking County OH. She also spent many nights and weekends leading worship at Christian events throughout Ohio. It was during this time when she cultivated her love for music and ministry,” he continued. “During college she continued her love for music by becoming a prolific songwriter and performer. When she was not writing or singing, she shared Jesus with the unparented youngsters in her neighborhood while providing them snacks after school.
“When she resided in Nashville TN, she was involved at The Belonging Church leading worship and participating as a youth camp counselor. She also enjoyed sharing Christ with the women at the Davidson County Jail. Many now know the Lord because of her evangelism and commitment to Christ,” he added. “Those who knew her enjoyed her larger-than-life personality and sense of humor. She had a witty joke for every occasion—even if the joke was on her.
“Her lasting legacy will be the gift of hope she communicated through her music and the strength she found in Jesus.”
Read More: Christian Worship Leader’s Original Song Stuns on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
