The Voice 2019 contestant Natasha Stuart loses battle with cancer aged 43

The Voice contestant Natasha Stuart has died after a long battle with cancer. The 43-year-old - mentored by Delta Goodrem during the 2019 season - is understood to have died surrounded by loved ones at St Vincent’s Hospital on Wednesday. The 43 year old was a contestant on the reality singing show last year, mentored by Delta Goodrem. Stuart is understood to have lost her battle with cancer at around 5pm at St Vincent’s hospital, surrounded by loved ones. Her family notified fans a few hours later by sharing an image by artist Dan Marsh and poem from Emily Dickinson on social media. “Shortly before her passing it was her wish to have this beautiful artwork tattooed on her arm by Dan,” an Instagram post read. “Although this was not possible, he was able to present to Tash the day before she left us and as he requested it be shared with her community along with this Emily Dickinson poem wish inspired Tash throughout her life.” The Dickinson poem read: “Hope is the thing with feathers; That perches in the soul; And sings the tune without the words; And never stops – at all.” Stuart was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 before undergoing chemotherapy treatment and competing on The Voice last year while in remission to raise awareness of the cancer. Stuart was well known and highly regarded in the live music scene. She performed as a backup singer for many high profile Australian artists including her Voice coach Goodrem and Jessica Mauboy. “We are saddened to hear about today’s passing of Natasha Stuart,” a Channel 9 spokesman said. “Natasha was a beacon of light for all who met her, with her incredible talent on stage matched only by her infectious positivity. She was a vocal breast cancer awareness advocate, even as she bravely fought the illness. We extend our warmest sympathies to Natasha’s family during this sad time.” The Voice executive producers Leigh Aramberri and Chloe Baker from production company ITV were among those to pay tribute to Stuart. “We are forever grateful to have had Tash orbit our world and be a part of our voice family,” they said. “She radiated joy, beauty and strength and touched everyone she met with her talent. Our love goes out to her family, her friends and the entire Australian music industry.” Singer and Television host David Campbell also shouted a tribute to Stuart, who was a friend and colleague. “It is truly heartbreaking to share that wonderful that Natasha Stuart has passed away” he wrote on Instagram, sharing four images of his late friend. “Her smile and tone touched us all as a singer and as a person. Many of us got to sit with Tash and say goodbye in the last few days she accepted us with the grace and warmth she always had. We talked about all the great gigs, we performed together. They we sang one last time for her. I will miss her voice and her company. So many memories and laughs and songs. We miss you and love you Tash. RIP.” Entertainment reporter Angela Bishop wrote: “So, so sad to hear this. Her voice was a gift she used to help others.”

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The Voice 2019 contestant Natasha Stuart loses battle with cancer aged 43