American Idol finalist, Nikki McKibbin, died on Sunday from a brain aneurysm at the age of 42, according to her husband, Craig Sadler.
Sadler said on Facebook that McKibbin was taken off life support early Sunday morning, four days after she had complications from a brain aneurysm.
Tristen Langley, McKibbin’s son, said she died in a hospital in Arlington, Texas.
Sadler wrote, “She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us.”
In 2002, McKibbin rose to national fame as a contestant on American Idol. She finished third on the show, behind Kelly Clarkson, the winner, and Justin Guarini, according to the New York Times.
In a statement, a spokesperson for American Idol said, “Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing. She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.”
Stevie Nicks, a long time fan of McKibbin covered her song “Edge of Seventeen” in her final performances on the show.
During her time on American Idol, Nicks sent her flowers and a card that read, “You are the Gypsy that I was,” according to Guarini. The gesture put McKibbin “on cloud nine and the joy and excitement that radiated from her was infectious,” Guarini wrote on Instagram.
Guarini said McKibbin “was a fiery, funny lady who could sing the Hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit.”
Ryan Seacrest, who hosted American Idol, tweeted that McKibbin “was a superstar the moment she walked into auditions. She set the bar high with her talent and memorable stage presence. It was an honor to watch her grow and inspire millions of people.”
Langley said on Sunday, “We just want the world to know, out of all of the wonderful things she was, the most important thing to us is that she was an extraordinary wife, the most amazing mother a son could ever ask for, and an angel of a grandmother.”
McKibbin had to struggle with substance abuse, including cocaine and alcohol.
Apart from her husband and son, McKibbin is survived by a daughter, Carlie Sadler; father, Keith McKibbin; grandmother, Hazel Bunyea; and granddaughter, Letti Sadler. Sadler said on Facebook that McKibbin was taken off life support in the early hours on Sunday and her organs have been donated.
