I’ve just received this note from my PR pal Gwendolyn Quinn. What a shame to learn that Jessye Norman passed away. She was a superstar.
“It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of international opera star Jessye Norman, in a statement issued by Norman’s family through the family’s spokesperson, Gwendolyn Quinn.
Norman, 74 years old, passed away today, Monday, September 30, 2019, at 7:54 a.m. ET at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in New York, NY, where she was surrounded by loved ones. The official cause of death was septic shock and multi-organ failure secondary to complications of a spinal cord injury she had sustained in 2015.
Norman was the eldest of two remaining siblings, James Norman and Elaine Sturkey, from a total of five children. “We are so proud of Jessye’s musical achievements and the inspiration that she provided to audiences around the world that will continue to be a source of joy. We are equally proud of her humanitarian endeavors addressing matters such as hunger, homelessness, youth development, and arts and culture education.”
I can tell you additionally Aretha Franklin loved and admired her. I was lucky to meet Miss Norman a few times, and was always awed in her presence. She won at least 4 regular Grammy Awards and received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Her voice lives on in dozens of important recordings and video/TV appearances.
UGH! Nooooooo! This is awful. I was literally supposed to spend time with her next week. RIP most magnificent amazing brilliant Diva. ❤️❤️💔💔💔 https://t.co/6owMwpD9fW
— Audra McDonald (@AudraEqualityMc) September 30, 2019
