White entered hospice on January 19th
Sad news to report this afternoon as Nineties country singer Lari White has passed away at the age of 52 from cancer. It was just this morning when we reported that White was admitted to hospice late last week as her condition worsened.
“With a heavy heart, we share the news of the passing of Lari. She passed at home surrounded by her family, comforted with the knowledge that her family has so much support from her friends and the music community that loves her,” her family shares via a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses.
“Lari and the family are very grateful for the support.
“The campaign goes on in Lari’s honor as the need continues. No donation is too small, no share goes unnoticed.”
White was diagnosed with advanced peritoneal cancer in September 2017, but didn’t share the news until November via her AristWorks blog, advising her students she could no longer share her knowledge with them, after undergoing a series of tests and a surgery.
“The surgery revealed advanced Peritoneal Cancer. Since then a series of complications including pain management, pneumonia and a bowel obstruction requiring emergency surgery has kept me in and out of the hospital fighting for my life. This is, of course, my focus for the foreseeable future,” she writes.
The singer’s mother, Yvonne White, revealed that White was admitted to hospice on Friday, January 19th via CaringBridge.
“Lari was not able to do her treatment on Tuesday… She has been fighting the most valiant battle anyone could possibly imagine, staying strong and loving, courageous and determined…always thinking of others, especially Chuck and her beautiful children. She wanted to be at home; be with them, love on them as long as possible, and have their loving care… Her Mother’s Heart has been a miracle to behold, always!” the elder White offers.
“Last night Lari was admitted to a wonderful Hospice facility here in Nashville, where she has all the Care she needs to make her comfortable and quiet for this part of the Journey, and where she is completely surrounded by loving family… Chuck, the children, her sister and brother, nephew and sisters-in-law, Mother and Father. The staff is excellent: kind, caring and competent. We are thankful, and grateful to God for the miracle of Hospice Care. Because of the way this superb program is designed, we have been able to be there for her…to pray, to sing, to read to her, to love on her…and each other. Her sister (an experienced Hospice Chaplain from Seattle) was able to spend the night with her.”
White had a string of hits in Nineties including the Top 10’s “That’s My Baby,” “Now I Know” and “That’s How You Know (You’re In Love).” She also made history as the first female to produce a male superstar’s album when she co-produced Toby Keith’s White Trash With Money in 2006. As an actress, she’s appeared in Cast Away with Tom Hanks and alongside Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow in Country Strong, among others. She was married to Nashville songsmith Chuck Cannon and the couple have two daughters and a son together.
Our thoughts and prayers go to White’s family.
Country stars have taken to social media to share their condolences.
I’m extremely saddened by the passing of my friend Lari White. She was so talented and a joy to write and record with. My heart goes out to all of Lari’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time. https://t.co/9w90keDEff
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) January 23, 2018
May you dance with your sweet soul … like this… forever sweet @lariwhite … we will never be the same…. I can’t wait to sing with you in that big heavenly choir!!! ? pic.twitter.com/l6qWqLd9Qi
— shelly fairchild (@shellyfairchild) January 23, 2018
I just heard the heartbreaking news that Lari White passed away ??? RIP Lari you are already missed but your legend lives on forever
— Jamie O'Neal (@JamieONeal) January 23, 2018
My dear friend Lari White is in the fight of her life against cancer. Lari has done numerous benefits raising… https://t.co/v2lKXlMq8S
— Billy Dean (@billydean) January 14, 2018
My heart is so sad today for the passing of Lari White. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Country music has lost a pioneer and a dear friend. #RIP
— Gary Levox (@GaryLevox) January 23, 2018
So sad to hear about the passing of Lari White. She was a talented and beautiful soul. https://t.co/Wff8c928g5
— The Darlins (@thedarlinsmusic) January 23, 2018
Absolutely heartbreaking news for the country music community today – the incredibly talented Lari White has passed away. pic.twitter.com/E5AdaodEQE
— Coti Howell (@CotiHowell) January 23, 2018