Lauren Duski, Runner-Up From Season 12 Of The Voice, Mourns Death Of Her Mother, Janis Duski
Fans of The Voice remember Lauren Duski as one of the most talented singers on Team Blake. Lauren competed during Season 12 after earning a three-chair turn for her blind audition performance of Jewel’s “You Were Meant For Me.”
As the season continued, Lauren wowed with performances of country staples such as Keith Whitley‘s “When You Say Nothing At All,” Garth Brooks‘ “The Dance,” and Little Big Town‘s “Better Man.”
Lauren was eventually named the runner-up of the season.
One of Lauren’s greatest champions during her time on The Voice was her mother, Janis. Sadly, Janis recently passed away at the age of 59.
Janis Duski Was A Dentist Who Pioneered A Project To Provide Dental Care To Disabled And Homeless Veterans
The Tuscarora Township Police in Indian River, Michigan told TMZ their officers found a car on Friday (January 5) “sitting on the edge of the roadway with a female in the driver’s seat slumped over.”
According to police, the woman in the car had a “single gunshot wound to the chest.” A handgun was discovered in the car, and had “one round spent.”
Police confirmed the woman was Janis Duski. It appears Janis died by suicide, but an investigation into her death is ongoing.
Lauren referenced “mental health” in a tribute she made to her mom on social media. But first, she spoke in detail about the extraordinary person Janis was.
Janis was a dentist and former captain in the United States Air Force. These life experiences led her to pioneer a program that provides dental care to veterans in need.
As Lauren shared:
“There was no one who loved harder. She offered her entire being — heart and soul to everyone she encountered and always held up the mirror to remind you of how wonderful and special you were. She set the bar above the moon. She adored her family and her grandchildren. She was an endless dreamer. brilliant. an absolute powerhouse. Top of her class AND president in dental school. Served as a captain in the United States Air Force. She pioneered the Wolverine Patriot Project alongside the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and made it her mission to provide oral health care to disabled and homeless Michigan military veterans.”
Lauren Duski Encourages Those Who Are Struggling To Not Feel Ashamed
Lauren ended her emotional post with the following plea:
“I wasn’t planning on sharing this but these last few days I’ve been feeling the most violent pull in my heart to remind you to please talk to one another. If you’re struggling, do not be ashamed. Do not be ashamed. Do not be ashamed. Your mental health is nothing to be ashamed of and neither is talking about it. We are all trying to navigate this beautiful, messy life. I’ve learned that even the strongest humans have a breaking point. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Minute by minute. Please do not lose hope. Trust in God. There is always another chance…and there will never be another you.“
“I love you, mom,” Lauren said. “Forever. May you rest in glorious peace.”
You can read Lauren’s beautiful tribute to her mother below. Our prayers go out to Lauren and her family during this difficult time.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, text “TALK ” to 741-741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.