Country Singer Lauren Duski Shares Touching Tribute to Mom After Apparent Suicide

Lauren Duski performs during Base*FEST Powered by USAA at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida on Dec. 15, 2017. Michael Chang/Getty Images

Country singer Lauren Duski posted a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Janis Duski, who was found dead inside her vehicle in Indian River, Michigan.

“Said goodbye to my best friend and hero this past Friday. My mom was the greatest human I’ve ever known,” Ms. Lauren Duski, 32, wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of herself and her mother on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

On Jan. 5, police discovered Ms. Janis Duski’s body slumped over in her car on the side of the road, TMZ reported. Her death is still under investigation, but it appears to have been a suicide.

The 59-year-old was found with a “single gunshot wound to the chest,” according to authorities. A handgun was reportedly found inside the car with “one round spent.”

Ms. Lauren Duski, who was a contestant on season 12 of “The Voice,” said she had been hesitant to share publicly the issues leading to her mother’s death.

But she said she felt a tug in her heart to open up in hopes of helping others.

“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,” she continued.

“My mom was the greatest human I’ve ever known. There was no one who loved harder,” she said. “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.”

Ms. Duski praised her mother, a dentist and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, for her commitment to providing assistance to disabled and homeless veterans.

“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,” the grieving daughter wrote in her post. “We called her ‘Yoda’ for her endless wisdom, energy, wit, and humor. She was selfless in every way.”

‘Do Not Be Ashamed’

The singer reminded her followers that it is OK to talk about mental health struggles.

“If you’re struggling, do not be ashamed. Do not be ashamed. Do not be ashamed,” she said. “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,” she continued.

The singer noted that everyone makes an impact on others, whether they realize it or not.

“We have the opportunity to save a generation and beyond. Say ‘I love you’ every chance you get. Dont [sic] wait. You never know the true impact you have on those around you.”

During Ms. Duski’s blind audition on “The Voice,” three of the coaches, including Blake Shelton, turned their chairs as she performed her cover of Jewel’s “You Were Meant for Me.”

Her late mother, along with her father, can be seen in the video backstage celebrating their daughter as the coaches turned around, signaling that they wanted Lauren on their team. She joined Mr. Shelton’s team, finishing the season as runner-up.

“She saw God in everyone and everything,” the singer continued. “Mom, you are infinitely loved. I will miss you every second of every day. I still don’t know how the hell I’m supposed to do this without you. I will thank God every day for our 32 years together and see [you] every time I look in that mirror.

“I love you, mom. Forever. May you rest in glorious peace,” she said in closing.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please dial 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or text the word “STRENGTH” to 741741 or go to the website 988lifeline.org.