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Nightbirde's Sister Talks "Painful" But "Joyful" Holiday Season in Moving Tribute

The sister of the late America's Got Talent Season 17 finalist wrote about appreciating family. 

By Jackie Manno

The legacy of the late America's Got Talent Season 17 finalist, singer and songwriter Jane Marczewski, aka Nightbirde, is still going strong thanks to her loving family. 

How to Watch

Watch the Season 19 premiere of America’s Got Talent Tuesday, May 28 at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock

On Christmas Eve Nightbirde's sister, Katelyn Marczewski, posted the most heartfelt tribute to Nightbirde, who passed away in February 2022. 

RELATED: Nightbirde's Family Releases Her Debut Album 1 Year After Her Passing

Nightbirde's sister, Katelyn Marczewski's, holiday dedication to her

Marczewski shared a vintage photograph of Nightbirde and her family all standing outside and smiling on a bright day. 

"The first time Jane was diagnosed with cancer, our entire family drove to visit her in Nashville for Thanksgiving. It was a cool and sunny autumn day," she said. "Jane had a long, beautiful table in her dining room. We sat around for hours, and we laughed. And we enjoyed the time we spent together. One good thing about tragic and unknown situations is that we are forced to stop and breathe in the present moment. We often learn to live abundantly when life is stripped down to the core. Jane’s life, and my family’s life, had been stripped down. Someone you love gets diagnosed with cancer and suddenly, it doesn’t matter how good your grades are, it doesn’t matter if you impress your boss, it doesn’t matter if people like your outfit or if your favorite team wins the game. The only thing that mattered in that moment, on Thanksgiving day, 2017, was that we were together."

Nightbirde on season 16 of AGT


She continued, "The holidays are a time for family and laughter and joy, but they can also carry painful memories, loneliness, and grief. It’s okay if you’re feeling sad this holiday season. There’s room for your sadness. But also remember the importance of leaving room for joy. We recognize Christmas because Jesus came to redeem our broken relationship with Him. If you can find no other reason for joy this holiday season, you can find joy in that. The holidays are a gift. Laughter is a gift. Your family is a gift. This life is a gift. and I’m grateful for all of it. ❤️."

RELATED: The Emotional Reason Nightbirde is Simon's All-Time Favorite Golden Buzzer Audition

Nightbirde's 3 siblings honor her by attending AGT Season 18

Nightbirde's three siblings, Kate, Mitch, and Andrew have been supporting the legacy of their late sister since her passing. On September 6, the three attended an AGT Season 18 Live Show, where they were deeply moved by the Mzansi Youth Choir's Golden Buzzer-winning rendition of Nightbirde's original song "Its OK."

"Thank you so much @agt for continuing to carry Jane’s torch of hope and inspiration, we appreciate you all so much," the siblings wrote on Instagram.