James Ingram's family reveal details about the health struggles he endured in his last days

James Ingram, the two-time Grammy Award-winner, passed away on January 29, 2019, aged 66. His family revealed some details about his health prior to his death.

In a post pinned to the late musician’s Facebook page, his family thanked Ingram’s fans for showing their love and support during such a difficult time. They added that the singer believed he had the best fans who supported his music for 35 years.

Apart from that, the family set clear that people’s prayers and condolences were a source of strength for them and their broken hearts. The most striking part of the message, however, was when they talked about the diseases Ingram endured.

INGRAM’S HEALTH STRUGGLES

“He fought strong while battling early onset Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, and we are at peace believing that absent from the body is present with the Lord. It has truly been a blessing to witness how his music has touched so many lives,” his family wrote.

Finally, they admitted to being humbled and grateful for all fans had been doing so far and for “respecting our privacy during this time.”

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, that illness is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. In most cases, the symptoms get worse over time and, at some point, the patient becomes unable to fulfill common, daily tasks. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the US.

PARKINSON DISEASE

Parkinson Foundation defines Parkinson as a neurodegenerative disorder that mostly affects dopamine-producing neurons causing tremor, limb rigidity, gait and balance problems, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

DEBBIE ALLEN’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Even though Ingram endured those two diseases, what caused his death was brain cancer. Actress and choreographer Debbie Allen, who has been working with “Grey’s Anatomy” for a while already, announced Ingram’s passing on Twitter.

She said,

“I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir. He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity. I am blessed to have been so close. We will forever speak his name.”

OTHER CELEBRITIES’ REACTION

Soon after Ingram’s passing became of public knowledge, several celebrities took to social media to share their condolences. One of them was Quincy Jones, the producer who worked with him for a long time. Jones pointed out that the singer was “magical” and that his “baby brother” would be in his heart forever.

Gladys Knight, who was selected to sing the National Anthem during this year’s Superbowl, also took to Twitter to thank Ingram for his love, friendship, music, and legacy.

Ingram was a very important artist in the entertainment industry as he won two Grammy Awards and was nominated to 12 more, two Oscars and, two Golden Globes.