Cat Janice, the Washington D.C.-based singer-songwriter who captured hearts globally with her infectious spirit and poignant music, has passed away at the age of 31. Known for her captivating voice and deeply personal lyrics, Janice’s final song, “Dance You Outta My Head,” became a viral anthem, resonating with millions even as she entered hospice care. This disco-infused track, born from a spontaneous car ride melody with her 7-year-old son Loren, became a testament to her enduring positivity and desire to leave behind joy, even in the face of immense personal struggle.
Janice’s brother, Will Ipsan, also a musician under the name Cubby, revealed that while she had a wealth of unreleased music, she intentionally chose to share “Dance You Outta My Head” as her parting gift to the world. Her journey began with treatment for a rare sarcoma in 2022, but the cancer’s return to her lungs in May of the following year marked a more challenging chapter. Throughout these difficult months, Janice bravely documented her experiences – the grief, the hope, and even the physical toll of her illness – on TikTok, connecting with a global audience who admired her resilience and authenticity.
“Dance You Outta My Head”: A Viral Farewell
Released on January 19th, just a day before her 31st birthday, “Dance You Outta My Head” was more than just a song; it was Cat Janice’s final wish. Announcing that she was signing over her music rights to her son Loren, she implored her followers to stream the song for him. In a heartfelt message on TikTok, Janice shared, “I wish I could say these words to you but lung cancer has stolen my voice. So all I ask is one favor of pre saving my final song in my bio. I want my last song to bring joy and fun! It’s all I’ve ever wanted through my battle with cancer.”
The response was overwhelming. Thousands upon thousands of individuals embraced her request, creating TikTok videos dancing to “Dance You Outta My Head.” The song became an anthem of hope and resilience, particularly touching for those undergoing their own cancer treatments. To date, it has been featured in over 2 million TikTok videos, a powerful testament to its widespread appeal and the profound impact of Janice’s message.
The Artistry of Cat Janice: Organic and Authentic
Austin Bello, Janice’s long-time producer, expressed surprise at the song’s meteoric rise but acknowledged it was a fitting tribute to her story and artistry. He was initially drawn to Janice’s lyrical depth and captivating vocal style, but he soon recognized the effortless nature of her creative process. “The art that she was creating was something that was coming out of her organically and naturally,” Bello remarked, emphasizing her innate talent and genuine expression.
Bello further described Janice as a producer’s dream, someone with a clear vision for her music. “When it came to production, Janice knew what she wanted, exactly how it sounded in her head,” he explained. His role was to translate her internal musical landscape into reality, a task he undertook with admiration for her distinct artistic voice.
A Mother’s Lullaby and Lasting Legacy
Looking ahead, Ipsan is now entrusted with managing his sister’s unreleased music catalog. While plans for posthumous releases were underway, Janice’s health declined more rapidly than anticipated. However, one project remained unequivocally clear: a lullaby written specifically for Loren. This tender song, intended for Loren to listen to “whenever he’s on his way to sleep, or whenever he wants to,” will be released on Spotify or SoundCloud. Ipsan is also committed to keeping Janice’s memory alive through “bite-sized” content on her Instagram and is planning a formal memorial service at her childhood church.
Echoing Janice’s wishes, Ipsan is determined to “keep the music going,” ensuring her musical spark continues to inspire, especially in her son Loren. Janice’s husband, Kyle Higginbotham, himself a musician, recently gifted Loren a bass guitar, nurturing his potential musical path. Loren, described as sharing his mother’s enthusiasm, love for nature, and preference for books over screens, embodies her spirit in many ways.
On the day of Janice’s passing, her siblings found solace in listening to her songs, a testament to the enduring power of her voice and music. As her sister Meredith poignantly stated, “I’m so thankful that we have this music.” Cat Janice’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through her music, her son, and the countless lives she touched with her unwavering positivity and heartfelt artistry. Her obituary is not just a farewell, but a celebration of a life lived vibrantly and a musical journey that continues to resonate.
