Justin Timberlake Pays Tribute To Longtime Backup Singer Nicole Hurst

Nicole Hurst, a longtime backup singer for Justin Timberlake, has passed away at age 39. 

Timberlake paid tribute to Hurst in an Instagram post on Friday, sharing photos and videos of the two together.

“My heart is so heavy. We lost a beautiful soul this week. Nicole lit up every room she walked into. On and off the stage, she was a constant source of joy and positivity,” he captioned the post. 

He continued, “Some things feel so unfair, and we will never understand why they happen. What I do know is that we were blessed to laugh with her, to travel with her, and to experience her infectious smile and love for a life filled with music.”

In several videos he posted, the two refer to each other as “bro” and “sis,” indicating their strong bond. He also posted numerous selfies of the two together. In one heartwarming video, a group of people is singing “Happy Birthday” to Hurst backstage.  

Hurst’s cause of death is unknown, but she was previously diagnosed with breast cancer. She told ABC 13 in 2015 that she was diagnosed with “Stage 2 triple-positive breast cancer” right before she was scheduled to tour with Timberlake and Jay-Z in 2013.

By 2015, Hurst was in remission. She revealed in 2019 that the cancer had spread to her brain.

“Nicole, it’s not enough to say that I am going to miss you dearly. Thank you for your light. I will do my best to carry that with me. I love you, my sister,” Timberlake concluded the post.

Hurst had also provided background vocals for Kelly Clarkson and other stars throughout her singing career.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSP9RQHrwbV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link