STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Justin Timberlake’s Longtime Backup Singer Nicole Hurst Dead At 39

The singer called her a “beautiful soul” in emotional tribute.

Justin Timberlake’s longtime background vocalist Nicole Hurst has reportedly passed away. She was 39.

The pop musician took to his Instagram account on Friday and posted several photos and videos of Hurst, who he frequently referred to as his “sister.”

Featured in the slides were videos of Timberlake and Hurst touring together with the Tennessee Kids. Also in the memories was a selfie of the two as well as clips capturing moments when the two called each other “bro” and “sister.”

RELATED: Justin Timberlake Apologizes To Janet Jackson In IG Post For 2004 ‘Wardrobe Malfunction’

"My heart is so heavy. We lost a beautiful soul this week," Timberlake wrote in the heartfelt tribute. "Nicole lit up every room she walked into. On and off the stage she was a constant source of joy and positivity."

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. 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. 💔.”

Hurst’s official cause of death has not been confirmed, though in 2015, she revealed to ABC 13 she was diagnosed with “Stage 2 triple-positive breast cancer.”

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.