Justin Timberlake has remembered his longtime backing singer Nicole Hurst with an emotional tribute on social media.
The former NSYNC star took to Instagram to reveal the vocalist, a member of the Tennessee Kids, has passed away.
Admitting his heart is “so heavy” following the sad news, he penned: “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.
“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.
“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. Forever family and forever a TN Kid. [sic]”
A cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
Nicole previously battled Stage 2 triple positive breast cancer in 2013 at the age of 31. The illness later escalated to Stage 3, but in 2015 her cancer was believed to be in remission.