Cat Janice, the musician mom who went viral for dedicating her last song to her young son, has died of sarcoma cancer at 31. Here's what you didn't know about her

In the quiet corridors of Northern Virginia, a musical prodigy named Catherine Janice Ipsan, known to the world as Cat Janice, embarked on a journey that would captivate hearts and create a legacy that transcended her all too short-lived life.

Born on January 20, 1993, Cat's early years were steeped in the enchanting melodies of violin and piano. At the tender age of six, she displayed a precocious talent, joining orchestras, jazz bands, and theatrical productions. Her 14 years of classical training formed the foundation upon which she built her musical empire.

By the age of 12, Janice had already started penning her own compositions, a testament to her innate creativity. As the years unfolded, she ventured into self-production, mastering the art of bringing her musical visions to life. In 2014, she unveiled her debut album, her ethereal voice blending seamlessly with the piano, a glimpse into the promise of a burgeoning career.

The subsequent year saw the release of "Fire," an album infused with southern rock influences that showcased her versatility. Janice's ascendancy in the music scene reached a pinnacle in 2019 when she clinched a Washington Area Music Award (WAMMY) for Best Rock Artist, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with.

However, fate took a cruel turn in 2022 when Janice discovered a lump in her neck. The diagnosis was devastating - sarcoma, an aggressive cancerous tumor nestled in her scalene muscle. Undeterred, she faced the battle head-on, juggling her career as a geospatial information scientist and pursuing a master's degree in coastal geology while continuing to create and sing her own music.

Amidst surgeries and chemotherapy, Janice channeled her indomitable spirit into her album "Modern Medicine." The poignant track "Wishing I Was You" became a haunting ode to her struggles with cancer, featuring her 7-year-old son in its video, a testament to her resilience and undying love for family.

In a fleeting moment of triumph, doctors declared Janice cancer-free. Yet, the cruel irony of fate struck again as the cancer metastasized to her lungs. Unbowed, she resumed chemotherapy and released "Modern Medicine," showcasing her unwavering determination to share her art with the world.

In the summer of 2023, Janice graced the stage at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts alongside SOJA. Amidst personal battles, she found love, getting engaged to Kyle Higginbotham that August and marrying him in December, aware that time was slipping away.

As 2024 dawned, Janice, now in hospice, made a poignant decision. On January 19, she independently released "Dance You Outta My Head," co-written with Max Vernon. The song, an anthem of resilience, encouraged listeners to dance away their troubles, a reflection of Janice's final wish. She transferred all her song rights to her son, ensuring her legacy endured.

The world embraced "Dance You Outta My Head" with open arms. Within two weeks, it soared to number 37 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, securing the top spot on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. Janice's final creation became a global sensation, reaching number 7 on iTunes worldwide.

Tragically, on February 28, 2024, surrounded by her family, Cat Janice took her last breath at the age of 31. Her brother, in a poignant Instagram post, revealed that she had more unreleased art waiting to be shared. The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love during Janice's final months, acknowledging that her music would continue to provide for her son.

In the hushed aftermath of her departure, the world mourns the loss of a luminous talent. Cat Janice's music, a bittersweet symphony of triumph and tragedy, will forever echo in the hearts of those who danced to her tunes, a testament to the enduring power of her spirit.