Beyoncé Pays Tribute to Young Fan Who Died of Brain Cancer
Beyoncé is paying tribute to one of her biggest fans in the wake of her death.
Lyric Chanel died Friday (March 5) after a two-year battle with brain cancer and anaplastic ependymoma. The 13-year-old Houston native had become an Instagram sensation, inspiring her over 600,000 followers and celebrity fans including Cardi B and Beyoncé.
Lyric and her family had documented her fight with cancer on social media, while celebrating her strength, resilience, and optimism. In November, she underwent surgery to remove a tumor, which grew back and spread to various parts of her brain. On Wednesday, Lyric’s family was told that she only had days to live.
“Just got news from Dr that Lyric is Dying and only have days to live…. These are the hardest words to have to hear,” wrote her family.
Following her passing, Beyoncé honored Lyric with a heartfelt video on Beyonce.com in which she sings an a cappella medley of songs including “Brown Skin Girl,” “Halo,” and “Love On Top,” accompanied by photos and video footage of Lyric. During “Love On Top,” she switched out “baby” to include Lyric’s name: “Lyric, it’s you / You’re the one I love / And you’re the one I need / You’re the only thing I see / C’mon Lyric, it’s you.”
“I love you with all of my heart,” Bey said at the end of the emotional clip.
In September, Queen Bey sent flowers and a note to Lyric after she saw a video of her singing along to “Love On Top.” “I was so moved to see how these lyrics inspired you, not nearly as much as you inspired me,” wrote Bey. “I can’t wait to meet you one day and I’m so happy you’re home safely.”
Lyric also developed a close bond with Trae Tha Truth, who she affectionately called her uncle. “Truth Is This One Is Extremely Painful….. Those Who Know Me Know Yo Unc Gone Fight How U Fought….. Never Giving Up ( You was something Different ),” the Houston rapper wrote in the wake of her death.
A GoFundMe page was created for Lyric in December 2020 and is still live, with nearly all the $200,000 goal raised.