Former ‘X Factor’ Star Freddie Combs Dead at 49

Freddie Combs, the singer who managed to wow the world by appearing on "The X Factor," has recently passed away at the age of 49 as a result of kidney failure.

The news was shared by his wife, Katrina Combs, who said that the last few days with her husband were particularly "hard" as they were spent in the hospital.

It has been reported that Freddie spent a total of 10 days in the hospital, during which the couple discussed plans in order to fulfill his final wishes, which include a donation of his eyes and corneas.

According to Katrina, she was already expecting bad news from the palliative doctor and was fully aware that it was going to be rough since she couldn't spend the night with him due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Following his passing, the grieving wife remembered Freddie as the type of person who wanted to touch other people's lives, so much that he used to say he wanted to be "used up" when his time came.

A PEOPLE PERSON

Katrina said her husband was someone who always made others feel welcome as if they were their best friends and actually listened to people when they talked to him.

A GoFundMe campaign has been started by Freddie's sister, Carolyn Ryfe.

WEIGHT LOSS

Freddie, who, aside from "The X Factor," starred in TLC's "Ton of Love" and "Heavily Ever After," struggled with his weight his entire life but Katrina claimed he was doing better. She said:

"He lost down to 385 lbs [...] Ultimately, the battle with the weight and the fluid over the years contributed to kidney damage and then ultimately kidney failure."

Katrina recalled how fans would easily recognize him whenever they went somewhere and praised him for losing the weight, telling him he looked "good."

Despite having appeared on TLC's shows, the singer was most famous for his incredible performances on the "X-Factor," particularly his rendition of Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings" back in 2012.

HEARTBROKEN BUT PROUD

Even though she lost the love of her life, Katrina said she is proud of having been chosen to be by Freddie's side for the past 25 years as his "wife, best friend, caregiver, and partner in ministry."

A GoFundMe campaign has been started by Freddie's sister, Carolyn Ryfe, in order to help cover his medical expenses, as well as his upcoming memorial at The Pentecostals of Cocoa, in Florida.